“This is a talent game.”
That was the message media mogul Gary Vaynerchuk delivered in Calgary during a wide-ranging discussion with BetaKit CEO Siri Agrell. The outspoken entrepreneur and investor, better known as Gary Vee, didn’t hold back when asked how Canada should position itself in an increasingly competitive global economy.
As countries around the world battle for economic influence, Vaynerchuk argued that the future belongs to those who can attract and retain the world’s top talent. “Technology is now at a place where talent can live anywhere and still create impact,” he said. “The question is, what are you doing to make sure they live in your country?”
From Immigrants to Innovators
Vaynerchuk pointed to Canada’s recent immigration policies as a blueprint worth expanding. He applauded the country’s success in attracting highly skilled professionals from Iran in recent years, calling them “some of the smartest people in the world” who chose Canada because it offered more long-term opportunity.
But he warned that policy must keep pace with the global shift toward a fully digital and decentralized work environment. “Private aviation is cheaper, remote work is the norm, and soon we’ll all be meeting in VR,” he said. “The most talented humans are no longer constrained by geography. So, who’s offering the best deal?”
A Playbook for Canada’s Future
Vaynerchuk proposed that Canada embrace a more aggressive strategy to become a destination of choice for entrepreneurs, builders, and creatives. His vision included bold ideas like 10-year tax holidays for verified top founders, tailored visa programs for startup talent, and national storytelling campaigns to position Canada as a global magnet for innovation.
“This place is beautiful. It’s stable. And you get healthcare, to a point,” he joked. Then he added, “But that’s not enough. You have to pay more as a country. Make it more attractive for the best people to stay, and even more attractive for the best people in the world to come.”
A Country of Opportunity, If We Choose It
Agrell, who has worked across government, media, and technology, guided the conversation toward the role of narrative. “It’s about the story we’re telling the world about who we are,” she said.
Vaynerchuk agreed, but emphasized that story alone is not enough. “It’s story and policy. Every country is now a competitor. Canada can’t just lean on being nice and safe. You need to make bold moves.”
In the era of AI, decentralization, and mobile-first everything, Vaynerchuk believes the nations that win will be those that think like startups: fast, flexible, and fearless.
Image: Ian Macdonald
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