💪 Tariffs aren’t the only way to push back. Sometimes, Canada needs to put its elbows up—with policy.

In the face of rising tariffs, trade weaponization, and U.S.-centric tech monopolies, what if there was a smarter way to fight back?

📘 Inspired by a great Financial Times article, I dug into one of the most underused levers on the table:
repealing anti-circumvention laws—a technical, deeply strategic move that could reshape digital trade on our terms.

These laws were introduced to appease U.S. trade demands (DMCA, USMCA, ring a bell?). But in doing so, we gave up too much:

• 💰 Locked ourselves out of a $100B+ global repair economy
• 📉 Suppressed Canadian innovation
• 🧩 Increased our dependence on foreign tech ecosystems

Anyone who's tried to fix their AirPods Max, washing machine, or printer knows the frustration. These laws protect monopoly margins—not users, not local economies.

🇨🇦 It's time for Canada to get elbows up. Not with tit-for-tat tariffs. But with principled, high-impact policy that reclaims our digital sovereignty and empowers consumers and innovators alike.

🔧 Bonus: yes, the image captures the mood perfectly.

#SmartRetaliation #RightToRepair #InnovationPolicy #DigitalSovereignty #CanadaTrade #DMCA #IPReform #Newsletter #ElbowsUp #StrategicRegulation

Peggy Van de Plassche is a seasoned advisor with over 20 years of experience in financial services, healthcare, and technology. She specializes in guiding boards and C-suite executives through transformational change, leveraging technology and capital allocation to drive growth and innovation. A founding board member of Invest in Canada, Peggy also brings unique expertise in navigating complex issues and fostering public-private partnerships—key elements in shaping the Future of Business. Her skill set includes strategic leadership, capital allocation, transaction advisory, technology integration, and governance. Notable clients include BMO, CI Financial, HOOPP, OMERS, GreenShield Canada, Nicola Wealth, and Power Financial. For more information, visit peggyvandeplassche.com.

#business #diplomacy #government #politics #leadership #ideas #canada #US #economy #washington #ottawa #growth #influence #politics #policy