Eddie's motivation is certain good. But he missed a few important ingredients why Canada for such a long time simply does not have the world's best and brightest to make a difference. 

1. As long as Canada is viewed by the world, and is in fact, a complete vassal of the U.S. nothing big can happen. Everybody knows all the U.S. has to do is to make a few phone calls, or refuse a few, Canada will be hit, come to a screeching halt. All major decisions by Canada is subject to American approvals. Therefore Canada is just a stepping point. And if you can make things work in the U.S. why bother with Canada?
2. The money problem. Or lack of it. Where is the big money in Canada? Big enough to do big things, take big risks, make it worthwhile. Big people goes where the big money is. 

But there is hope. Today and certainly future there is less need to be big nationally. Network collaboration can be as big as you like. Canada can own and manage network collaborated business. So get on with it.