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Vancouver. August, 1936

The Gate to the Pacific

I have the privilege of beginning my first visit to you at a historic moment. In these weeks, when you have been celebrating your Jubilee you have heard much about the fifty years behind you, during which Vancouver rose from a clearing in the forest to be the third city of Canada, and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I remember that Mr. Kipling, who had travelled in most parts of the globe, once told me that he had found many places that he admired and some that he loved; but that he had discovered only one earthly paradise, and that was in British Columbia. I am a newcomer who has only had his first glimpse of you, but I can see no reason to differ from that verdict. You have created a wonderful metropolis, with the noblest natural background in the world.

Today we are especially concerned with that great effort of faith and foresight, the railway which links you with the Atlantic. Fifty years ago I understand that the first transcontinental train had not yet reached you; you were an incorporated city before you were the end of steel. You had still to pass through the trial of the Great Fire. But a year later the railway was completed. Today we take that miracle for granted, and familiarity has dulled our perception of the marvels of the achievement. For in sober truth the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway was a miracle: it was an effort of faith which literally moved mountains. It gave the lie to the narrow economic interpretation of history. Canada's natural outlet lay to the south. She chose, for a far-sighted political ideal, to make her development move westward, and thereby constituted herself in the fullest sense a great people with two oceans to serve her needs. She had long been a nation; but now she had an ample territory and a strategic and

1. Vancouver Jubilee Exhibition, August 1936

2.

economic completeness.

No doubt Canada has much to do before she integrates her resources; like all the world, she has her urgent social and political questions; but I firmly believe that every problem is soluble, that every difficulty is temporary and remediable. I come to you with fresh eyes and, I hope, an open mind, but I am very certain that no Canadian is prouder of his country than I am, or believes more devoutly in her future.

In the destiny of Canada Vancouver must play a vital - I had almost said a dominant - part. For she is the window out of which Canada looks towards the East. She is the gateway to the Pacific. For forty-five deep-sea lines use her harbour. She clears annually twelve million tons of shipping. She is the chief winter grain port of the world. It is not for me to forecast the future, but it is very clear that the East and the Pacific must play a major part in international affairs. It may well be that Vancouver will become the strategic vantage point in the economy of Canada and of the Empire. You are prepared for anything that fate may bring you, for you have a province whose riches have been scarcely tapped, a noble city and a strong and self-confident people. I am certain that when, fifty years hence, you celebrate your centenary you will look back upon even your present distinguished position as no more than the day of small things.