Substack's Northward Bound: Bolstering Creator Connections in Canada and Beyond
Substack's Strategic Investment in the Canadian Market
Substack has announced the appointment of Mark Swierszcz as the new Head of Partnerships for Canada. This key personnel decision underscores the company's commitment to deepening its presence in a region that has quickly become its third-largest market globally, following the United States and the United Kingdom. Swierszcz, a seasoned executive with previous experience at Google Canada, will concentrate his efforts on cultivating and strengthening relationships within the Canadian creative landscape, encompassing writers, publishers, content creators, and media entities. His role is pivotal in ensuring the sustainable growth of Canadian voices on the platform across diverse categories.
The Genesis of Substack: A Canadian Connection
Substack's roots are firmly planted in Canada, a fact often overlooked. The company's co-founders, Chris Best and Jairaj Sethi, both hail from Canada, with Best growing up in suburban Vancouver and both graduating from the University of Waterloo in Ontario. Their collaborative journey began at Kik Messenger before they ventured to establish Substack. Additionally, Hamish McKenzie, the third co-founder, originally from New Zealand, pursued his Master's degree at Western University in London, Ontario. This inherent Canadian connection provides a natural foundation for the platform's current expansion efforts.
Remarkable Growth and Future Aspirations in Canada
The appointment of Swierszcz follows a period of substantial growth for Substack in Canada. The platform currently hosts thousands of Canadian publications, covering a wide array of topics including journalism, culture, business, and specialized communities. This expansion also includes the rollout of initiatives like the Substack Defender program in Canada during 2025. Swierszcz's immediate objective is to further broaden Substack's base of contributors and subscribers within the country, building on the existing foundation of over 500,000 paid subscriptions to local publications.
Championing Creator Freedom Amidst Global Expansion
Substack's philosophy is centered on empowering individuals with a message to share and an eager audience. Swierszcz emphasizes that the platform is not exclusively for traditional journalists but welcomes a diverse range of creators. He expressed enthusiasm for the potential of Canada's vibrant creator community to thrive on Substack, even suggesting prominent Canadian figures like former Prime Minister Mark Carney and author Rachel Reid as ideal candidates for the platform. As Substack extends its reach into Canada, it acknowledges the importance of adhering to local laws and regulatory frameworks while upholding its core values of creator independence and freedom of expression.
A Global Vision Fueled by Investment
Substack's expansion into Canada is part of a broader international strategy. The company is actively recruiting partnership leads in numerous other markets, including Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and the Nordics. This ambitious global push is made possible by a successful $100 million fundraising round completed in 2025. Farrah Storr, Substack's Head of International, confirmed the rapid pace of expansion, hinting at imminent announcements for new markets, particularly in Southern Europe. This significant investment is enabling Substack to enhance its tools, broaden its reach, and provide more robust support for creators and subscribers worldwide, with exciting product updates specifically designed to strengthen the international experience.