As a Canadian, you’ve likely noticed how the global economy is shifting, especially with the U.S. becoming increasingly protectionist. This unpredictable approach to trade may be hurting some in the short term, but it’s opening the door for Canada to forge its own independent tech future. In this fractured environment, now is your chance to support a stronger, more resilient Canadian tech industry that can thrive without leaning on uncertain alliances.
In recent years, the United States has turned inward, using tariffs and trade tactics that seem at odds with the very system that powered its rise. Many Canadians are left wondering why our neighbors would risk destroying a global framework that has served us so well.
A Defining Moment for Canadian Innovation
The evidence is clear that American companies have flourished under the open global economy. As of early 2025, 22 of the top 25 publicly traded firms worldwide were based in the U.S. Canada, and Europe were nowhere to be seen on that list. Tech behemoths like Meta, Alphabet, and Apple owe much of their success to the billions in revenue they earn beyond American borders.
But this success is tightly bound to international access. As tariffs rise and diplomatic relations strain, the business models of these giants are becoming more vulnerable. For Canadian businesses, this not only represents a shift, but it’s a rare chance to take the lead.
Innovation on Display in Digital Entertainment
Canada is already seeing progress in certain digital sectors. One example is the rise of real money casinos. These platforms are using cutting-edge technology to create engaging, secure, and user-friendly gambling experiences for Canadian players. In fact, the gambling industry shows how digital products can be built and scaled responsibly within Canada, with proper oversight and regulation. It also highlights our potential to create global-ready casinos while ensuring consumer safety. The success of this industry reflects what’s possible when innovation, regulation, and digital infrastructure work hand in hand.
Trade Tensions are a Double-Edged Sword
In the immediate future, Canadian firms doing business with or in the U.S. will feel the pinch. Tariffs make trade tougher and more expensive, and companies on both sides of the border are affected. Still, the long-term impact could be even more dramatic, especially for U.S. companies that rely on foreign markets for growth.
Whether the U.S. is using trade restrictions as a bargaining chip or pursuing a broader goal of economic dominance, Canada must prepare for either outcome. In the worst-case scenario, these actions may be designed to undercut allies and increase U.S. leverage. Either way, Canadians can’t sit back and hope for the best.
If U.S. tech firms begin to lose access to international markets due to regulatory barriers or customer backlash, their bottom lines will suffer. We’ve seen before how challengers can rise. For example, TikTok disrupted Meta’s dominance, Samsung continues to compete with Apple, and Tencent is a serious global player. No tech leader is immune to change.
Creating Space for Canadian Tech to Rise
For Canadian tech companies, this is the time to push forward. By working together with like-minded nations, we can reduce the influence of American firms that have benefited from decades of economic cooperation, yet now stand behind walls of protectionism.
This doesn’t mean doing it alone recklessly. Instead, Canadian companies must grow strategically, and any response must avoid drawing retaliation from U.S. partners. Still, you as a consumer and Canadian policymakers have vital roles in creating fertile ground for homegrown innovation.
Much like Canada has supported its automotive sector, we should now explore incentives and requirements that encourage local tech development. For example, establishing rules that require international tech giants to contribute to our economy and innovation ecosystem would go a long way. We’ve already taken steps in this direction with legislation like the 2023 Online News Act.
Policymakers must also guard against tech platforms’ growing influence over what Canadians see and believe. To ensure trust and transparency, legislation like the 2024 Online Harms Act should demand accountability for how algorithms shape digital experiences. Europe has started down this path, and Canada should follow suit.
Beyond regulation, the Canadian government can support tech companies by helping them attract global talent and expand responsibly. Prioritizing tech skills in immigration policies, continuing to back world-class universities, and increasing access to startup funding through guaranteed loans are practical steps that could make a real difference.
Securing Canada’s Digital Future
When we depend too heavily on American tech, we expose ourselves to risks beyond the economic. The current volatility in U.S. trade policy shows just how fragile that relationship can be. As a Canadian, you deserve dependable alternatives that are built and governed with Canadian interests at heart.
This includes, but is not limited to, the cloud services we use, the social media we consume, or the tools that power our businesses; more of these options should be made in Canada. The trust factor alone is worth it. And beyond trust, there’s national security to consider. Why should your sensitive data be governed by foreign laws or exposed to shifting trade relationships?
By prioritizing local solutions, we build control over the systems that shape our economy and society. We also reduce the risk of sudden disruptions caused by changes in another country’s policies or political climate.
