More Countries Need To Be Like Canada
While the world chases AI, Canada reminds us that investment in human capital is the real key to survival.
The entire world is in a frenzy about AI. This frenzy is not a delusion — AI is arguably the best discovery of man in recent generations. However, it puts too much emphasis on what machines can do and less focus on what humans can do. Canada is one of the major countries not to be carried away by this frenzy. It has structures in place not to be left behind in the AI race, but also major systems to prevent losing the core fabric of economics: human capital.
In Canada's Spring Economic Update of 2026, an announcement was made for the launch of Team Canada Strong — an initiative to make major investments in skilled trades, a sector increasingly in short supply. The initiative makes apprenticeship easier so more people are equipped with skillsets highly required for human survival. When last have we heard anyone advise a young person to learn a skilled trade like plumbing, electrical engineering, or carpentry?
We see someone learning to play the piano or understanding construction and try to convince them there's more money in tech. Yet we all need these services every day and we know AI is not the replacement. Human ingenuity is irreplaceable. It is my wish for more nations, organizations, and communities to become more like Canada — not losing track of the AI race but also not losing track of raw investment in human capital.
There are many applications for companies in this space. We have already seen platforms like TaskRabbit, Wrkman, and LaborHack setting up platforms for hiring skilled tradespeople. Financial companies can invest in organizations providing these services, just like Piggyvest and Front Fundr are doing. Another avenue is to partner with governments to participate in skill development and facilitate sending skilled artisans into the marketplace.
Investment in human capital is the key to the nation's survival. Tech and AI are tools to make life easier and things faster, but they cannot replace the very core of our existence: the ability to learn, build, create, and manage. This should not be forgotten.
