CANADALAND Should We Be Worried About Canadian DOGE?
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Mar 7, 2025 
Douglas Soltys, Editor-in-chief of BetaKit and tech entrepreneur, dives into the rising 'Doge Canada' initiative, exploring its implications for the Canadian tech scene. He discusses the importance of influential tech leaders in trade negotiations with the U.S. amidst tariff complexities. The conversation also touches on Shopify's shifting content policies and the critical push for diversity in Canadian tech leadership. Soltys reflects on how tech decisions impact societal narratives, emphasizing the intricate relationship between technology, politics, and culture in Canada.
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Build Canada's Purpose
- Build Canada is a platform where Canadian tech leaders share policy ideas, aided by experts and AI.
- It's a PR effort, not a registered lobby group, causing concern about its potential influence.
Tech Leaders and Politics
- Canadian tech leaders engage with political figures to maintain influence and access.
- This engagement is not inherently scandalous, especially with opposition parties.
Shopify's Actions
- Shopify quietly dismantled its DEI and equitable commerce programs.
- They removed Kanye West's swastika t-shirt for violating terms of service related to fraud, not hate.