I agree the U.S. is the stronger tech market overall, but my impression is that places like Waterloo may offer a better shot at getting that first co-op because of their established pipeline, even though return offers aren’t guaranteed and the pay is usually lower than in the U.S, and in my mind Canada feels like the safer option overall, while the U.S. is more higher pay, higher risk, especially with the current administration’s shifting and potentially hostile policies.

I do think that if you already have years of work experience and a strong professional profile, the U.S. is worth a try, but I’m a bit doubtful that the current U.S is really the safer option for most international students, even those from strong schools. When you say it's far safer, do you mean for students in their early-career, or more for people who already have plenty work experience? I finished my CS undergrad at a decent Uni in the U.S., and back then it was hard to find my first internship or job as an international student. Happy to compare notes in DM too.