"Canada has been modest in its history, although its history is heroic in many ways. But its history, in my estimation, is only commencing. It is commencing in this century. The 19th century was the century of the United States. I think we can claim that it is Canada that shall fill the 20th century."

- Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier,

in a speech to the Canadian Club of Ottawa, 18 January 1904

In 2004, do we have a particular idea of Canada, particularly of Canada in the world? Do we have an ambition for ourselves beyond our shores? A generation or two ago, we did. It was simply a commitment to keep peace where possible and make war where necessary, to create a new international architecture, to mediate between the big powers, and to help the world's poor. Now in the twentieth century, Canada has finally established a firm position on...