Key Takeaways:
- Lucas Matheson, CEO of Coinbase Canada, stressed that the new Canadian government must develop a national crypto strategy to keep the country at the forefront of blockchain innovation.
- He proposed creating a governmental crypto task force aimed at defining digital assets, regulating stablecoins, and integrating crypto mining with existing data facilities.
- He highlighted the necessity of introducing a Canadian-dollar-pegged stablecoin to improve financial efficiency and mentioned how crypto could provide solutions for Canada’s underbanked population.
Summary
In Toronto, during the Consensus 2025 event, Lucas Matheson, CEO of Coinbase Canada, made a compelling argument for the urgent creation of a national crypto strategy. He pointed out the risk of Canada falling behind other nations that are actively shaping their cryptocurrency policies. Matheson stated, “We need leadership. We need champions in government to embrace this technology and legitimize it in the eyes of the everyday Canadian.”
He proposed that the new government, led by Mark Carney, establish a governmental crypto task force within the first 100 days of taking office to develop robust regulations for digital assets. Matheson emphasized the potential of cryptocurrencies to improve financial transactions, especially for Canadians who send remittances abroad, noting that they currently pay steep fees for money transfers.
Matheson also raised concerns about the underbanked population in Canada, asserting that crypto can be a solution to enhance their financial access. He introduced the ‘Stand With Crypto’ initiative, aimed at educating lawmakers on the advantages of blockchain technology.
As Canada transitions to a new leadership, Matheson expressed hope that this government would prioritize technological innovation. “We’re at risk for not moving fast enough to embrace the types of technology… it’s a priority for us to introduce compliant products that Canadians can safely use,” he concluded.
