Canadian Dynamism

Manifesto

San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo.

Whether through articles, Instagram reels, movies or shows — these cities all hold a story that you've heard of.

You can see yourself overwhelmed by the bright lights and loud noises of Times Square, picture erudite discussion with philosophical software wizards, or imagine the glitz and glamor on a Hollywood red carpet.

You don't have to meet anyone in any of these cities. But you can imagine what they'll be like, their values, their habits, and their dreams.

The cultural refinement of the worldly New Yorker and the exquisite taste of the Tokyo native.

Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary.

These cities are hidden gems, boasting immaculate infrastructure in a country less plagued by drama.

But they lack a story.

When outsiders think of Toronto, they aren't sure what to think of. It's not bustling streets like New York or culture like Tokyo.

Because, over the last couple decades, many of the people who could have helped shape the story of these cities, have ended up fleeing elsewhere to chase their dreams.

But things are changing. There's an emerging spirit of discovery, of exploration. A new generation that is looking to uncover what it means to live here.

Canadians are some of the most talented, exceptional people in the world. A surprising number of influential technology innovators in America who have come to define the culture of Silicon Valley, are Canadians.

Beyond technology Canadians punch well above their weight, in the arts, science, sports and even policy. They win an outsized proportion of both Emergent Ventures grants and Olympics gold medals.

Today, a network of creative, energetic and welcoming third spaces for builders, creators and artists are starting in Canada to encourage this talent to do what it does best.

Socratica, MVD, New Demos, The Residency amongst others.

It is these talented, ambitious, and kind Canadians that will be able to give these cities a story.

It's time to start acknowledging this renaissance.

It is time to have our cities known everywhere for the centers of creativity that they are.

It's time for Canadian Dynamism.