In a recent LinkedIn post, Arlene Dickinson offers a distinct perspective on the role of government trade missions and the proactive stance entrepreneurs should adopt. Dickinson, a prominent figure in the business community, argues that while government initiatives like those led by Carney can open doors, the ultimate responsibility for building commerce and striking deals lies with the entrepreneurs themselves.
She begins by framing the common desire among businesses to join official trade missions, including political figures like Poilievre, but immediately pivots to her own view:
“Everyone wants Carney to take them on his trade missions. Including Poilievre. I think differently.”
Dickinson elaborates on this distinction, emphasizing the complementary roles of government and private enterprise. She posits that the Prime Minister’s primary function is to dismantle barriers, creating an environment where businesses can thrive. Once these obstacles are removed, it is incumbent upon business leaders to seize the opportunities.
The Entrepreneurial Imperative: Acting on Opportunity
Dickinson’s central thesis is that entrepreneurs should not passively await invitations to government-led initiatives. Instead, she advocates for a self-directed approach, where business leaders proactively seek out and capitalize on emerging markets.
“The PM’s job is to remove hurdles for us. Our job is to act once they’re gone,” Dickinson writes. This statement underscores her belief in the inherent agency of entrepreneurs. While acknowledging the efficacy of trade missions in certain contexts, she differentiates between government facilitation and direct business action.
“I get trade missions and for sure they do work. But not on the PM’s plane. That’s the difference.”
She further clarifies that genuine private sector engagement with government should not be conflated with simply being part of an entourage. For Dickinson, meaningful collaboration involves government working *with* businesses to gather input and ensuring clear communication about which opportunities are arising and when.
Beyond Government Invitations: Forging One’s Own Path
Dickinson concedes that there are exceptions, particularly in sectors like defense, major infrastructure, and highly regulated industries, where the presence of business leaders during government-to-government negotiations is indeed crucial. However, she stresses that these are not the norm for the majority of entrepreneurs.
Her advice is direct: the majority of business owners should not wait for an invitation to a trade mission to begin expanding their reach. Instead, they should be prepared to secure their own travel and pursue markets independently.
“The majority of us literally need to get on our own flights and head to markets that are opening up.”
Dickinson draws from her own experiences, asserting that this proactive approach is proven to be effective. She champions the entrepreneurial spirit of forging ahead without seeking external permission.
“We don’t need anyone’s permission to get going and to create our own deals. That’s how entrepreneurs work. Where there’s challenges we see opportunities. We don’t wait for someone to tell us to act when opportunity happens. We just do,” she states, encapsulating the essence of entrepreneurial drive.
Seizing the Moment in a Dynamic Global Market
Dickinson concludes by highlighting the urgency dictated by the current global economic landscape. She notes that figures like Carney are moving swiftly because deals are being finalized worldwide and new markets are opening rapidly.
“Carney is moving quickly because he needs to. The deals around the world are being struck. The doors are opening. It’s our job as entrepreneurs and as business leaders to move in after he’s opened the door and not to wait for an invitation to the tarmac,” she urges. Her message is a call to action for entrepreneurs to embody agility and initiative, recognizing that while government can clear the path, it is their own drive that will lead to success.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Arlene Dickinson on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 27, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →