Brandon DonnellyCanada must become a global superpower
The silver lining to the US starting a trade war with Canada and regularly threatening annexation is that it has forced this country out of complacency. Indeed, I'm hard pressed to remember a time, at least in my lifetime, when patriotism and nationalism has united so much of Canada. According to a recent survey by Angus Reid, the percentage of Canadians expressing a "deep emotional attachment" to the country jumped from 49% in December 2024 to 59% in February 2025. And as further evidence of...
Brandon DonnellyThe bank robbery capital of the world
Between 1985 and 1995, Los Angeles' retail bank branches were robbed some 17,106 times. In 1992, which was the the city's worst year for robberies, the number was 2,641. This roughly translated into about one bank robbery every 45 minutes of each banking day. All of this, according to this CrimeReads piece by Peter Houlahan, gave Los Angeles the dubious title of "The Bank Robbery Capital of the World" during this time period. So what caused this? Well according to Peter it was facil...
Brandon DonnellyThe story behind those pixelated video game mosaics in Paris
If you've ever been to Paris, you've probably noticed the small pixelated art pieces that are scattered all around the city on buildings and various other hard surfaces. Or maybe you haven't seen or noticed them in Paris, but you've seen similarly pixelated mosaics in one of the other 79 cities around the world where they can be found. Or maybe you have no idea what I'm talking about right now. Huh? Here's an example from Bolivia (click here if you can't see...
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Brandon DonnellyIt's time to build Canada
Earlier this month, a group of Canadian founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders launched a new and important platform called Build Canada. The idea is simple. Every week, an experienced entrepreneur will publish a policy proposal that includes an issue that our country is facing and then a precise policy solution. And if you happen to agree with the recommendations being put forward, there's an easy way for you to send it directly to your MP.
Here's their "about" page:
Dear Fellow Canadians,
Canada should be the world’s richest country. But for decades, small thinking, bureaucratic inertia, and special interests have kept us from realizing our potential.
The world is changing quickly. Technology, communication, geopolitics, and culture are shifting. If we don’t change with it our moment will slip away. We can’t afford excuses anymore. Canada must break free from the mindset of “this is how things are done”. It’s time to act differently.
Build Canada is a platform of bold ideas for growth, innovation, and prosperity.
Every policy is proposed by successful Canadian entrepreneurs with deep knowledge from building in the relevant areas. We’re supported by policy experts with experience in government. Our singular focus is a Canada where people build again.
That includes:
Selling more Canadian products and resources around the world
Changes to boost productivity and competitiveness
Developing a culture that celebrates freedom and ambition
New ways to deliver better services at lower costs
Tax reforms that drive innovation and investment
Earlier this month, a group of Canadian founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders launched a new and important platform called Build Canada. The idea is simple. Every week, an experienced entrepreneur will publish a policy proposal that includes an issue that our country is facing and then a precise policy solution. And if you happen to agree with the recommendations being put forward, there's an easy way for you to send it directly to your MP.
Here's their "about" page:
Dear Fellow Canadians,
Canada should be the world’s richest country. But for decades, small thinking, bureaucratic inertia, and special interests have kept us from realizing our potential.
The world is changing quickly. Technology, communication, geopolitics, and culture are shifting. If we don’t change with it our moment will slip away. We can’t afford excuses anymore. Canada must break free from the mindset of “this is how things are done”. It’s time to act differently.
Build Canada is a platform of bold ideas for growth, innovation, and prosperity.
Every policy is proposed by successful Canadian entrepreneurs with deep knowledge from building in the relevant areas. We’re supported by policy experts with experience in government. Our singular focus is a Canada where people build again.
That includes:
Selling more Canadian products and resources around the world
Changes to boost productivity and competitiveness
Developing a culture that celebrates freedom and ambition
New ways to deliver better services at lower costs
Tax reforms that drive innovation and investment
Support Brandon Donnelly
Brandon DonnellyIt's time to build Canada
Subscribe to Brandon Donnelly
Daily insights for city builders. Published since 2013 by Toronto-based real estate developer Brandon Donnelly.
Brandon DonnellyCanada must become a global superpower
The silver lining to the US starting a trade war with Canada and regularly threatening annexation is that it has forced this country out of complacency. Indeed, I'm hard pressed to remember a time, at least in my lifetime, when patriotism and nationalism has united so much of Canada. According to a recent survey by Angus Reid, the percentage of Canadians expressing a "deep emotional attachment" to the country jumped from 49% in December 2024 to 59% in February 2025. And as further evidence of...
Brandon DonnellyThe bank robbery capital of the world
Between 1985 and 1995, Los Angeles' retail bank branches were robbed some 17,106 times. In 1992, which was the the city's worst year for robberies, the number was 2,641. This roughly translated into about one bank robbery every 45 minutes of each banking day. All of this, according to this CrimeReads piece by Peter Houlahan, gave Los Angeles the dubious title of "The Bank Robbery Capital of the World" during this time period. So what caused this? Well according to Peter it was facil...
Brandon DonnellyThe story behind those pixelated video game mosaics in Paris
If you've ever been to Paris, you've probably noticed the small pixelated art pieces that are scattered all around the city on buildings and various other hard surfaces. Or maybe you haven't seen or noticed them in Paris, but you've seen similarly pixelated mosaics in one of the other 79 cities around the world where they can be found. Or maybe you have no idea what I'm talking about right now. Huh? Here's an example from Bolivia (click here if you can't see...
Let's build the Canada you know is possible.
Not every entrepreneur has to agree with every other proposal on site, but that's partially the point, not to dilute things down. It's about creating real dialogue, urging meaningful change, and creating a more prosperous Canada. A fundamental rethink of the status quo has been needed in this country for as long as I can remember. And with all of the geopolitical uncertainty happening in the world today, it has only become more critical to build Canada.
Cover photo by Tom Carnegie on Unsplash
Let's build the Canada you know is possible.
Not every entrepreneur has to agree with every other proposal on site, but that's partially the point, not to dilute things down. It's about creating real dialogue, urging meaningful change, and creating a more prosperous Canada. A fundamental rethink of the status quo has been needed in this country for as long as I can remember. And with all of the geopolitical uncertainty happening in the world today, it has only become more critical to build Canada.
Cover photo by Tom Carnegie on Unsplash
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The idea is simple. Every week, an experienced entrepreneur will publish a policy proposal that includes an issue that our country is facing and then a precise policy solution. https://brandondonnelly.com/its-time-to-build-canada
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The idea is simple. Every week, an experienced entrepreneur will publish a policy proposal that includes an issue that our country is facing and then a precise policy solution. https://brandondonnelly.com/its-time-to-build-canada