OPINION: Amazon HQ2 Would Be Yet Another Great Canadian Immigration Story

It is likely to be one of the largest corporate decisions in history. Sometime this year, Amazon will decide which city amongst the 20 it shortlisted recently will be home to HQ2, its second headquarters.

Many have come to describe their search has something akin to a beauty pageant amongst North America’s most prominent municipalities. Americans keen to place a wager might have been surprised to see a Canadian city shortlisted. Those unfamiliar with Toronto, Ont. may place it at a disadvantage simply by being across America’s northern border. Others may justify its shortlisting by depicting Toronto’s economy and social fabric as similar to their own big city. A large and growing population, and a modern economy full of opportunity, culture and big sports franchises.

Make no mistake, though. Toronto and Canada have been shortlisted not for their sameness, but for their differences. A simple way of understanding these differences is to reflect on three defining words in each of our constitutions. The Americans are a people devoted to “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness” whereas Canadians put their bets on “peace, harmony and good governance.” The Americans embrace individualism, whereas we are far more collective. At this stage of Amazon’s development and expansion, Toronto fits the bill far better than other cities on the list.

Read the full blog on the Huffington Post.