We have to remember that nation-building is a perpetual process, not an end-state. Perhaps in different circumstances we can promote unity in different ways, but we must always remain actively engaged. Much like the Bank of Canada does for the economy, a notional Unity Bank of Canada can ease the peaks of secessionism by watching for leading indicators and moving well in advance. A major policy when needed, a little tweaking here and there, and ever vigilant environment monitoring coupled with consistently positive communication.

Of course, the Unity Bank is all of us. Uni.ca is one manifestation, but there are many others. Together, we must keep at it. We can take turns napping, but let's not all fall asleep at the wheel, again, and again, and again. There are lots of issues out there - a secessionist government is still in power in Quebec, and then there's western alienation, the rural-urban divide, first nations governance, interprovincial trade barriers, the monarchy, new immigration, globalization, and many other real pressures and fissures.

While it is not over, we may be entering a watershed moment that we can use to push us onto a more moderate cycle. The Canadian unity "issue", in its many forms, is essentially an identity conflict. A leading theory related to this type of societal dynamic is known as "ripeness". It suggests that conflicts are only resolved in extreme moments when the parties involved are experiencing real pain. Only then are they shocked into the realization that concessions must be made to forge a lasting peace.

When people start to say things like "secessionism is dead", we might seem to be moving away from such a ripeness moment. One side is talking triumphantly and true concessions are unlikely. However, this is not Palestine and Israel. The terms of ripeness are much different in a generally cooperative situation where benefits are clearly mutual and "concessions" are not zero sum.

There are things that need fixing. When do we want to deal with them? When tensions are high? When things are desperate? When we are forced into corners and sincerity will always be questioned? That does not sound like the Canada we know and love, the Canada that is a world leader in social evolution. Why not engage the issues when the air is cool and smooth, when more laudable motives are the driving forces, such as fairness, goodwill, understanding, appreciation, generosity, friendship? Why wait for the defensive posturing aimed at getting the least worst out of an "us versus them" situation, when we can do it together, when it is just "us" and we can all feel like winners?

These are happy times for Canadian unity, and tomorrow looks brighter. Let's use this confidence and push secessionism into history, long past history. There was once a strong movement to make German the official language of the United States. Whether that was or was not a good thing, the point is that it is almost unbelievable today, mentioned only jokingly as trivia. It may be far off, but one day the thought of Canada not-being could be a faint anachronistic memory, an instructive reminder of how badly we can waste and disrespect our blessings.

To get there, we can't focus on the death of secession. We must put our energy into nurturing the vibrant life that is Canada. The time is ripe for nation-building.