Canada has long been a nation of unparalleled development and evolution. Sir Wilfrid Laurier recognised that the late 19th century was to mark a period of great change in the newborn Canada. Under Sir Laurier’s leadership Canada made great strides towards economic prosperity and greater international recognition, prompting him to remark that “Canada will fill the twentieth century.” Though Sir Laurier never lived to see whether or not the young nation of Canada fulfilled his expectations, his prediction came true, though perhaps not in every dimension. Despite its strong agricultural and manufacturing sectors, Canada’s economy fizzled towards the end of the twentieth century. However, a juvenile Canada did make a name for itself throughout the century, gaining international recognition via its development into a fully-fledged, internationally-engaged nation. It is safe to say that despite its economic situation, Canada did indeed fill the twentieth century.