March Forth
Dale W. Botting, Richard Jankowski, and Alan Wallace
March Forth:
A compendium of ideas for stronger business and government leadership during critical times in our economic history
March Forth is a bold and urgent call to action for Saskatchewan and Canada at a defining moment in our economic history. Written by Dale Botting, Richard Jankowski, and Alan Wallace, the book brings together more than a century of combined frontline experience in economic development, trade, public policy, and business leadership. It is not a partisan manifesto. It is a practical, experience-driven roadmap for renewal.
​
Born out of geopolitical instability, rising protectionism, and increasing economic uncertainty, particularly in Canada’s trading relationship with the United States, March Forth argues that Saskatchewan must respond not with hesitation, but with strategic confidence. The authors believe that crises are wake-up calls. They challenge business leaders, advocacy groups, and governments to move beyond reactive measures and embrace long-term, structural reform.
At its core, the book presents a compelling vision: a stronger Canada and Saskatchewan by 2040. In that future, Saskatchewan is globally competitive, economically diversified,
climate-resilient, fiscally responsible, and united in purpose. It is a province that has reduced its dependency on a single export market, modernized its infrastructure, strengthened Indigenous–settler partnerships, invested in innovation and productivity, and reformed outdated regulatory and tax systems.
​
To reach that future, March Forth outlines a series of practical “Idea Sets” focused on immediate and achievable reforms. These include:
​
-
Accelerating and diversifying trade through grassroots business leadership.
-
Expanding import replacement and supplier development to strengthen local capacity.
-
Modernizing permitting and regulatory systems to reduce delays and uncertainty.
-
Investing in strategic trade corridors, energy infrastructure, and Arctic access.
-
Reforming tax structures to enhance competitiveness and fiscal sustainability.
-
Boosting productivity through technology adoption, AI integration, and supply chain improvements.
-
Addressing municipal finance reform to support growing urban and regional demands.
-
Investing in human services, talent attraction, and long-term climate resilience.
The book emphasizes that government alone cannot solve these challenges. Business associations, entrepreneurs, institutional buyers, and community leaders must also “march forth.” The authors advocate for a more proactive, grassroots model of economic development that fosters collaboration, accountability, innovation, and measurable results.
Throughout the book, readers will find specific policy recommendations, practical examples from other jurisdictions, and candid assessments of Saskatchewan’s structural barriers from regulatory gridlock to fragmented governance. The authors believe Saskatchewan possesses extraordinary natural resources, human capital, and strategic advantages to overcome these challenges. What is required now is leadership, urgency, and the courage to modernize.
March Forth is ultimately about choosing abundance over complacency. It invites readers to imagine a province that has learned from disruption, invested wisely, built stronger partnerships, and positioned itself for global success.
The clock is ticking. The opportunity is real. It is time to leap forward — and March Forth.