Dear Minister:

It has been two and a half months since your appointment as Canada’s 59th minister responsible for Canadian industry. Two and a half months of briefings, of meetings, of coming up to speed with the plethora of issues within the remit of one of Canada’s most important ministerial portfolios. Thankfully, you will have some time in August, perhaps on the shores of Lac St-François, to think about what you have learned, to reflect on the issues and opportunities, and to ponder priorities. Take the time. Weigh your options. Once the world gets back to work in September, events will once again drive the agenda. If you know your course and have a keen appreciation for what needs to be done, you can achieve a great deal. You can make a difference during your tenure as Minister of Industry, and surely “making a difference” is what drew you to politics in the first place...