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<p>What author Richard Saillant calls Canada’s Great Demographic Imbalance— »the highly uneven pace at which Canada’s regions are aging »—policy analyst Donald J. Savoie, in his Foreword, calls « one of the country’s most demanding challenges for the next two decades. »</p>
<p>With a broad scope deeply anchored in demographics, <i>A Tale of Two Countries</i> focuses on Saillant’s powerful argument: that the « twin forces of economic and demographic gravity » spell trouble for eastern Canada, and for the country as a whole, if we don’t act now. First we must face a harsh truth: « the contrast is stark between have and haveless provinces and it is about to get starker. » The result? Two distinct Canadas: one poorer, older; the other younger, dynamic. While the former struggles to weather the demographic storm, the latter, while maintaining a status quo, will have « little appetite » for bailing out the older Canada. » Without a significant shift in perspective, Saillant argues, Canada will be a country torn apart.</p>
<p>With charts, extensive endnotes, and compelling arguments, <i>A Tale of Two Countries</i> is a must-read for those seeking an accessible, evidence-based policy analysis of Canada’s uncertain future, recommendations for addressing its consequences, and their potential impact on all Canadians.</p>