The Big Five Podcast Is “Elbows Up!” just a slogan?
Sep 30, 2025
Justine McIntyre, a strategic consultant and former city councillor, and Akil Alleyne, a seasoned reporter and commentator, dive into pressing issues affecting Canada. They dissect the allure of U.S. opportunities that lure talent away, exploring how culture and regulations influence decisions. The discussion heats up as they examine Quebec's language policies, highlighting inconsistencies in enforcement. They also critique Canadian media's obsession with U.S. politics, advocating for a stronger focus on national matters. It's an insightful and lively conversation!
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Episode notes
Why Startups Head South
- A growing share of Canadian-led AI and tech startups are choosing the U.S. over Canada for scale and opportunity.
- Economic conditions, regulation, and taxation shape where founders decide to build and grow.
Personal Move For Opportunity
- Justine McIntyre shared that she and her husband moved to the U.S. because opportunities were better for innovation.
- She cited regulation and taxation as factors that made the U.S. more conducive for starting companies.
Risk Aversion Limits Scale
- Canada’s business culture is described as more risk-averse, which hampers scaling and innovation.
- Structural factors and culture push founders to engage the larger U.S. market to grow significantly.