Communications scholar Arthur Kroker argue that Innis 's study of the Canadian Pacific Railway was only the first in which he attempted to demonstrate that " technology is not something external to Canadian being ; but on the contrary , is the necessary condition and lasting consequence of Canadian existence " . It also reflected Innis 's lifelong interest in the exercise of economic and political power . His CPR history end , for example , with a recounting of Western grievances against economic policies , such as high freight rates and the steep import tariffs designed to protect fledgling Canadian manufacturers . Westerners complained that this National Policy funneled money from Prairie farmers into the pockets of the Eastern business establishment . " Western Canada " , Innis wrote , " have paid for the development of Canadian nationality , and it would appear that it must continue to pay . The acquisitiveness of Eastern Canada show little sign of abatement . "