TORONTO — TORONTO -- Members of Canada’s tech community gathered for an industry conference in Toronto are calling on institutions to take their patriotism even further.
The executive director of the Canadian Shield Institute took aim at the country’s pension funds, pointing out they have invested less domestically despite their coffers growing.
When they do in invest in Canada, Vass Bednar says they tend to play it safe, putting their money into government bonds and infrastructure.
Bednar argues the pension funds should be bolder, while her co-panellist, North Exit Ventures general partner Tal Schwartz, wants to see changes from policymakers and investors.
Schwartz says the country needs to adjust its tax policies and capital allocation so startups reach their mid to late stages and investors feel incentivized to back businesses in high-risk industries.
Bednar and Schwartz’s remarks came at Nrth, which rebranded this week from its past name Elevate.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 23, 2026.
By Tara Deschamps
Correction
This is a corrected story. An earlier version incorrectly stated the date for Elevate’s origins.
