OTTAWA - Perhaps the headline of this article ought to read "Canada's strong economy COULD increase volume of our voice." On the international stage Canada is, sadly, often treated as an 'also-ran'. Of course, we have examples of international achievement that we call upon to rally ourselves - but does the international community really take note?

How often, for example, do we hear President Obama state "well, we are going to wait and see what the Canadians do about this before we decide." Indeed, is it only us Canadians who remember Vimy Ridge as the harbinger of our ascendancy to international super-stardom?

These days, however, Canada has the potential to exercise some real international clout - and it is all about the economy. Canada's solid economic fundamentals led the G-7 countries emerging from recession - our banking institutions were the envy of the developed world, and among the few not requiring massive government bailouts.

This trend has continued since 2009, and Canada's economic growth figures and forecasts have allowed Canada to punch above its weight. It is time, however, to dispense with our natural inferiority complex that has been encouraged by living in the shadow of the United States. More than ever before, Canada is uniquely positioned to be a world leader when it comes to economic policy - other nations are already scrambling to have their banking institutions and regulations follow our lead.

With looming humanitarian crises in the Middle East, for example, Canada is positioned to lead international discussions about economic recovery and aid delivery - areas were Canada has never been able to shape the debate.

"It is in our best interest as a country to capitalize on these trends," says Peter Coleman President and CEO of the National Citizens Coalition. "Coupled with the planned reductions in corporate tax rates at the federal level, the world is beginning to notice that Canada is a stable, world leader on many fronts - and it is worthwhile to put down roots here."