I think the unique thing about Canada is that students “fall into” prestigious institutions by virtue of being good students who grew up in the area. Basically

I think the unique thing about Canada is that students “fall into” prestigious institutions by virtue of being good students who grew up in the area. Basically every student in Toronto with a 90% average in high school can go to UofT. This is very achievable for anyone from a stable middle class family whose parents care about education.