Here in Canada, the post 9/11 climate in the U.S. has sent a lot of top talent our way. In general, the international perception is that the U.S. is much more

Here in Canada, the post 9/11 climate in the U.S. has sent a lot of top talent our way. In general, the international perception is that the U.S. is much more hostile to foreigners than it used to be, especially muslims. This is backed up by the fact that it's so difficult to stay in the U.S. after earning a degree there. If someone is good enough to grab a spot in a top U.S. university, why would you turn them away when they want to stay? The main thing holding Canada back is a similar increasing focus on "commercializable" research at the expense of basic science. Long-term commitment to excellence in basic science is what opens up new fields. Preferentially funding research with the latest buzz-words tends to make a country a follower of trends.