Part of our Special Series: Always Canada. Never 51

A Canadian toy company is on the brink because of US tariffs. Millions in unsold stock. But this isn’t just one company’s problem—it’s Canada’s.

Author and Gloves Off podcast host Stephen Marche digs into the economic war we’re already in with the US. How can we fight against an economy ten times our size, where the tariff goal posts keep moving, and where any brokered deal is a tweet away from becoming meaningless? What are new approaches to doing business in today’s climate?

This episode features bold ideas from business owner and Shorefast founder Zita Cobb and chair of Social Capital Partners Jon Shell and looks at how to build the Canadian economy without dependence on a superpower in chaos.

Zita Cobb
Founder, Shorefast

Stephen Marche
Host, Gloves Off podcast


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The CSA Policy Pathways Conference convenes leaders, thinkers and changemakers across government, business, community and academia to confront the pressing questions shaping our economic future. How can we build resilience in the face of global uncertainty? What will it take to unlock innovation and ensure its benefits are broadly shared? How do we design policies that promote competition, inclusion, and financial security? Join us on November 5, 2025, in Toronto, as we explore how we can take bolder steps toward a more resilient, innovative and equitable economic future.

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