Guess what, as Baby Boomers our time has gone when it comes to political leadership. Take a current look at the recent arrival of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He was born on December 25, 1971, and at 43 years old is one of the youngest Canadian Prime Ministers ever. Indeed, looking at the ages of newly elected Members of Parliament, it becomes apparent that fewer and fewer were born before 1965. A new generation is emerging, representing more of those who make up what has become known as Generation X — those between that ages of 30 and 44.
Indeed, this transition is a good thing. Governments today have to deal with very complicated national and international issues. These include the impact of globalization on our economic and social lives, work-live balance issues, climate change, rapid technological advances, renewable energy initiatives, etc., etc. While Baby Boomers may have got the ball rolling, now a new generation of political, social and business leaders must carry the ball forward. Experience may have been a key factor in the past, but energetic vitality and commitment will be more important attributes for current and future visionary leaders.
An older generation tends to be too preoccupied with the past and maintaining the status quo. What we need today are leaders who are willing to question the status quo and introduce new and more innovative ideas and policies. They will need to question the existing establishment and the old ways of doing things. They will have to reflect the views of younger generations raised in a totally new economic and social environment. Instead of slow and mostly incremental policy development, more drastic and major policies will have to be quickly developed and implemented to tackle today’s most important issues. Leaders will have to surround themselves with younger, savvy and more proactive advisors; thoroughly knowledgeable about such issues and interested in finding real long-term solutions.
Perhaps the emergence of Justin Trudeau is the first such significant case exemplifying a genuine changing of the guard. I sure hope so for all our sakes and for that of our children and grandchildren. After all, it’s younger Canadians and Americans – Generation X and Millennials – who are in urgent need of advocacy.
FROLITICKS 