I see trouble with pursuing non-american engineers. They might move south anyways later if the opportunity comes up because the salary difference is still huge.

I see trouble with pursuing non-american engineers. They might move south anyways later if the opportunity comes up because the salary difference is still huge. Lucrative perks sticks because of tax breaks like you mentioned. I would be going all-out on #3. Having local businesses has benefits beyond just avoiding brain drain as well. This is why it blows my mind at how little funding there is for early stage companies in Canada. I personally tried twice now already, as have several friends, and we didn't get anywhere because local investors here want you to already have a finished product with a validated business model and 10k/month in revenue. I'm sorry but the only way you stop a promising new grad from turning down a huge salary is by giving them the chance to work on their passion. Expecting them to already have a 10k/mo business is just a big F-you. Might as well go to the states where I can at least make enough money to take some time off. And heck, while I'm there someone might even fund my idea anyways.