For the third year in a row, Canada’s socio-economic performance is only average when compared with six benchmark countries, according to the Conference Board of Canada.

The Conference Board’s report card benchmarks Canada’s performance against the United States, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Norway and Australia. “For the past three years we’ve compared our performance to some of the strongest economies in the world, to see what is possible,” said Anne Golden, president and CEO of the Board. “Our high quality of life is based on a unique mix of social and economic factors. But when we compare ourselves to other countries, we see that our performance is only average. We can do better.”

This year the report explores the issue of North American integration, and encourages Canadians to make conscious policy choices now to preserve “the Canadian Way” for the future. The report, written before September 11, does not deal with political and security issues, but deals with the long-term policy implications of increasing economic integration.

“The tragic events of September 11th are stark reminders of the reality that, in an integrated world with modern transportation and communication systems, we are all inextricably bound up together,” Golden said. “But whatever the outcomes, we at the Conference Board remain convinced of the importance of our message: that Canadians must make conscious policy choices about the future direction of the things that matter to them and about Canada’s place in North America.”

“North American economic integration is happening much faster than most Canadians realize,” said Jim Frank, vice president, chief economist and project director for the report. “The Conference Board has been examining the issue carefully over the past year and we know that the majority of Canadians welcome the benefits of economic integration, but they worry about the consequences for Canada’s ability to pursue a distinct social and regulatory policies. We believe Canadians must take the initiative now to chart their own course.”