Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke sharply criticized the federal government’s $40-million contribution to Nokia’s Kanata campus expansion, calling the support a “bribe” in posts on X. Lütke argued Ottawa is subsidizing each new job with taxpayer money, describing the approach as a decades-long form of foreign direct investment that civil servants mistakenly believe is beneficial.
The funds came through the Strategic Response Fund’s innovation stream. Lütke, who has advocated for policy reform through the Build Canada platform, said he has repeatedly tried to persuade federal officials of his stance. The comments underscore growing tension between tech leaders and policymakers.
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