> Attracting strong talent in Canada is hard given the massive pay differences gained by moving south of the border.

The size of the pay difference is something you, as the prospective employer, have significant direct control of. It is within your authority to point the dial anywhere from "hard to find anybody because of the massive pay difference" to "easy to attract strong talent, while still saving money relative to what it would cost to attract the same level of talent in the US".

The Canadian business establishment will not come after you to break your knees if you offer higher wages than they do.