Inequality really works both ways. Canada is a much better place to be if you make under 60k/year. Its also a much better place to be if you fall on the work to live side of the coin. The flip side is you'll get less aggressiveness both at the corporate and employee level and the pay to match.

I think its largely cultural. Theoretically Canada should be more welcoming to entrepreneurship. You don't have to worry about your health insurance when you quit and start your own company - and the safety net limits your fall in the case of failure. The government also heavily subsidizes new startups.

But entrepreneurship is generally looked down upon in a way that isn't true in America. A failed startup in the US is chalked to "at least you tried" whereas in Canada its looked upon as a moral tale of the risks of chasing childish dreams. This goes throughout society - from raising capital to what your in-laws hassle you about over the dinner table.