Tech Won't Save Us cover image

Tech Won't Save Us

Canada’s Tech Leaders Want Their Own DOGE w/ Jen St. Denis

Mar 20, 2025
Jen St. Denis, a reporter with The Tyee, dives into the unsettling merger of Silicon Valley thinking and Canadian politics amid rising tensions with the U.S. She discusses the quest of Canadian tech leaders for their own version of DOGE and highlights Shopify's controversial ties to right-wing ideologies. The conversation sheds light on how social media impacts misinformation, especially with elections looming. With Canadians increasingly viewing the U.S. as a threat, questions arise about national sovereignty and the future of Canada's tech landscape.
51:41

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The alignment of Canadian tech leaders with right-wing ideologies reflects a broader trend of Silicon Valley's influence on governance and policy.
  • Growing public sentiment in Canada perceives the U.S. as a threat, prompting a shift towards nationalistic rhetoric among politicians.

Deep dives

Tech and Politics in Canada

The current relationship between the tech industry and politics in Canada is influenced by the increasing alignment of Silicon Valley executives with right-wing governance models, reflecting trends observed in the United States. This alliance has notable implications for both Canadian policy and political dynamics, especially with the emergence of influential players like Shopify in advocating for specific governmental reforms that echo the policies seen under the Trump administration. The recent election shifts, particularly with the resignation of Justin Trudeau and the rise of Mark Carney, set the stage for a potentially transformative period in Canadian politics where tech CEOs are actively trying to shape the agenda. Furthermore, the tensions with the U.S. have led some Canadian leaders to adopt a more nationalistic stance, indicating a potential shift in public sentiment regarding external influences.

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