Their stories have also kindled our hope for the future. We believe this dialogue should continue. We think that more Canadians, and most particularly more corporate and political leaders need to begin a sober reflection of how they can think and act in new ways. It is no longer possible to accept a polarized society as the inevitable price of economic progress. The cost is too high for each and everyone of us.
Social cohesion is a societal project which transcends all the institutions in a society.
It is the ultimate common property resource. To knit the social fabric together under the stresses of globalization and technological change will require leadership to set the vision, and stewardship to track progress and call institutions and citizens to account. The Committee has met many leaders and stewards at the community level who are making a difference by building bridges, improving access, giving citizens a voice, and forging partnerships. We have met a few citizens with a national presence and we have cited key comments by Ministers of the Crown. What we have not found is a national leadership coalition dedicated to enhancing social cohesion and sustaining a caring community in Canada.