Why Americans Build Unicorns and Canadians Build Safety Nets: The Free Speech & Risk-Taking Divide

In partnership with

If you’ve ever wondered why your American cousin is launching a startup in his garage while your Canadian uncle is still “thinking about it” over his third cup of Tim Hortons, look no further than the way our two countries treat free speech—and, by extension, risk. But first a word from our sponsor:

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Join for free today!

Speech: The Gateway Drug to Risk-Taking

In the USA, the First Amendment is basically a license to say, do, and try just about anything short of yelling “fire” in a crowded movie theater (unless, of course, there’s actually a fire—then it’s just good citizenship). Americans are raised on a steady diet of “speak your mind,” “take your shot,” and “if at first you don’t succeed, sue someone.” The result? A culture where failure is just another word for “pre-success,” and entrepreneurship is as American as arguing on the internet.

Practical Example:

• Silicon Valley: The world’s most famous tech hub is packed with Americans who have failed, pivoted, and failed again—often spectacularly—before striking gold. Elon Musk’s first rocket exploded, Steve Jobs got fired from his own company, and yet both bounced back, cheered on by a society that treats risk as a badge of honor.

Meanwhile, in Canada...

Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms says you can speak your mind—unless you’re about to hurt someone’s feelings, cause a disturbance, or suggest that poutine isn’t the pinnacle of culinary achievement. The government can (and does) step in to keep things polite, safe, and, above all, low-risk.

Practical Example:

• Startup Scene: Canadian entrepreneurs are more likely to wait until an idea is “proven” before jumping in. A Canadian might see a new app and say, “That’s interesting, but let’s see if it works in the States first.” This cautious approach means fewer spectacular failures—but also fewer spectacular successes.

• Banking & Business: Canada’s famously risk-averse banks sailed through the 2008 financial crisis without a scratch, while American banks were busy inventing new ways to lose money. Great for stability, not so great for moonshot innovation.

How This Shapes Mentality

• Americans grow up believing that risk is the price of greatness. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough. This fuels a culture of entrepreneurship, bold ideas, and the willingness to bet the farm on a wild dream.

• Canadians are taught that success comes from avoiding unnecessary risk. The comfort of the status quo is valued, and failure is something to be quietly swept under the rug, not celebrated at a TED Talk.

What’s the Big Deal?

This difference isn’t just academic. It means Americans are more likely to launch the next big thing—whether it’s a billion-dollar tech company or a reality show about competitive squirrel herding. Canadians, meanwhile, are more likely to invent something quietly brilliant, then wait for someone else to prove it works before going all-in.

So, Who’s Right?

If you want to live in a place where you can say anything, try anything, and fail as loudly as you like, the USA is your playground. If you prefer a society that prizes stability, safety, and a lower risk of public embarrassment, Canada’s got your back (and your apology ready).

Call to Action:
Want more hot takes on why your neighbor’s startup is worth billions while you’re still waiting for government approval to open a lemonade stand? Subscribe to the CanAmerica News newsletter. We break down the big issues—free speech, risk, and why Canadians are still debating whether pineapple belongs on pizza—with a wink, a nod, and a healthy respect for both sides of the border.

Subscribe now—before someone politely asks us to take this article down!