As the United States tightens immigration policies and reduces research funding, Canada is emerging as a potential beneficiary in the global competition for skilled talent. Experts suggest that the shifting landscape in the US is prompting many highly skilled workers to reconsider their options, with Canada increasingly seen as a viable alternative. Rupa Banerjee, a Canada Research Chair and professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, noted that the US administration’s policies are driving talent to explore opportunities elsewhere. ‘Many individuals who either reside in the US or aspired to move there are now looking at other destinations,’ she told China Daily. The Canadian federal government recently passed a budget that includes a C$1.7 billion commitment over the next decade to attract top international researchers, including scholars from US universities and H-1B visa holders. Banerjee emphasized that this move reflects Canada’s recognition of a unique opportunity to address its long-standing challenges in innovation and productivity. ‘Policymakers understand that this is a great chance for Canada to leverage the turbulence in the US,’ she said. While Canada has traditionally been a second choice for many immigrants, Banerjee believes this perception is changing. ‘Canada is becoming a better and better choice, and it’s up to policymakers to ensure it remains a top destination,’ she added. However, she cautioned that Canada’s research infrastructure and policy framework may not yet be equipped to attract talent at scale. Mikal Skuterud, an economics professor at the University of Waterloo, noted that Canada’s efforts are part of a broader global competition for human capital. ‘Human capital is scarce, and there’s a constant global war for talent,’ he said. Skuterud suggested that Canada could benefit if US policies restrict certain foreign applicants, but he emphasized that the federal funding is more of a political signal than a transformative policy. ‘If the US is closing the door on some people, maybe Canada can open its door,’ he said. Despite the potential advantages, both experts agree that Canada must focus on long-term strategies to fully capitalize on this opportunity.