Cross-cutting issues like economic growth and social cohesion not only transcend the boundaries between departments, but also the boundaries between different sectors of society and even the boundaries between states. So far, the discussion of the challenges of social cohesion in the era of globalization has taken place primarily in government and academic circles. In launching this special study the Committee wanted to broaden the discussion. This leads to debate on the kinds of adaptability required of individual citizens, corporations, unions, political parties, government, voluntary organizations and other collective institutions. Government, business and community leaders need to think more imaginatively and creatively about the ideas and solutions required to help our society strike a more sustainable balance between economic globalization and a cohesive social fabric.
Social cohesion is about shared values, but it is also about re-distributional issues.
Building social cohesion in the new global era will require that we find ways to provide a more reasonable distribution of the benefits generated by trade liberalization and technological change. By doing this we will renew a longstanding Canadian commitment to social justice and sharing. Canadians have choices to make in addressing the socio-economic challenges posed by globalization and technology. The Committee rejects the two standard reactions - excessive government intervention or unrestrained markets. An interventionist response would be a cure worse than the disease for an open economy like Canada.