“I think we can claim that Canada will fill the twentieth century.” Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s famous declaration to which is transcribed in almost all Canadian history books. The quote to this very day interpreted in many different ways, yet perhaps the most transparent meaning is that Laurier stated that Canada would dominate the century and become a world leading country… It was a thriving time and so Laurier made his declaration with bold audacity. However, his foresight went on to be in vain. For Canada did not “fill” the twentieth century. For one, Canada only played minor roles in the century’s major conflicts. Furthermore, the Canadian economy was far from “world leading.” Finally, perhaps the biggest shame of all, Canada was never truly autonomous from Great Britain and the US throughout the century.