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Finance and Technology Exec | Forty Under 40 | Top 100 Innovator and Entrepreneur | Innovative Fractional Executive - I help organizations implement transformative change, enabling them to grow their business.
As every younger sibling knows, the oldest can be a bit of a bully—always thinking they know best. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing in the US-Canada trade relationship. While I completely agree with Arlene Dickinson’s perspective—Canada needs a global trade mindset, not just a defensive one. Instead of relying on ‘Dad’ to step in—like Prime Minister Trudeau did with King Charles—we should be playing to our strengths: Canada’s ability to build strong international relationships. We already have a strong trade foundation, with 15 active agreements spanning 51 countries. But two of the biggest economic powerhouses—India and China—remain largely untapped. • Despite ten rounds of negotiations, Canada hasn’t progressed a trade deal with India, with the last formal talks held in 2017. • With China, we’ve been stuck in an exploratory phase since 2016, with little real progress. Trade isn’t just about protection—it’s about expansion. A strong economy isn’t built by looking inward. Canada has the opportunity to lead, not just defend. It’s time to shift from reactive policies to actively pursuing deeper global trade partnerships—especially with India and China. And not just because I want a Chinese EV (though Canada’s trade policies will shape access to next-gen tech like the Xiaomi SU7 Max 😍). Let’s not just endure this ‘oldest sibling’ pressure—let’s turn it into an opportunity to lead on trade, diversify our economy, and secure our global future.
#TeamCanada 🇨🇦 Managing General Partner at District Ventures Capital Host of Arlene Is Alone - The Single Life Series -on YouTube
I just finished a US-Canada Trade Council meeting. As promised, I’m sharing what I know real time —and I’ll keep updating you as more information comes in. By now, you’ve all heard that Trump is moving ahead with 25% tariffs on 🇨🇦 , effective at midnight. 🇨🇦 will respond in kind—we are not backing down. $155 billion in counter-tariffs on US goods will be implemented, starting at midnight, with full implementation over the next 21 days. There will be support programs announced for businesses affected by these tariffs. You are not in this alone. Entrepreneurs & biz builders will do what we’ve always done—find a way to turn this challenge into opportunity and into strength. You all know this started with Trump’s border concerns—yet Canada has done what we said we would - and more - to address those concerns. EG: *Fentanyl trafficking from Canada into the U.S. has been reduced to nearly zero. This is a proven fact. *We have invested over $1 billion in border security to help tackle both drug trafficking and immigration concerns. *We have done our part But we all know it was never really about that. It was about controlling our resources minerals, geography and economy So unfortunately here we are. Canada is ready. The road ahead won’t be easy, but we are climbing it together. It takes two to negotiate—but it also takes a leader who isn’t trying to bully their way into power by hurting businesses and families on both sides of the border. This isn’t just bad policy; it’s shameful. We will not kneel down to someone who backs war criminals before working with democratic allies and neighbors. Many of you ask what you can do now; 🇨🇦Stay strong, Canada. Elbows up for what we’re fighting for, and hearts out for each other. 🇨🇦Support Canadian businesses. If there was ever a time to buy Canadian, it’s now. Choose Canadian goods and services like never before. 🇨🇦Push for real change. Interprovincial trade barriers have finally started coming down, and we’re making progress thanks to cooperation with provinces. But we must go further—especially when it comes to recognizing qualifications for job movement between provinces.Right now, it’s easier for an engineer in Quebec to have their credentials recognized in France than in Ontario! That’s not just frustrating—it’s holding Canada back. 🇨🇦Skilled professionals should be able to work anywhere in Canada without unnecessary red tape. If you’re qualified in one province, you should be qualified in all provinces. Lobby your premiers. Demand full recognition of professional qualifications across the country. The more we remove these barriers, the stronger and more competitive Canada becomes. 🇨🇦Stick together. Remember what we have. We are rich in resources and skilled people. We need to all be solution-oriented, support those with less, and keep building the Canada we believe in. I hope this update helps. We’ve stood up before, and we will again. The only way forward is together.❤️🇨🇦