I'm not sure why it matters where or when an architect of developer comes from. So long as his or her firm wants to improve the athestic value of the city's public realm I'll be happy to welcome their contribution.
I'm not sure it is at all a commentary on the ballsiness of Canadian developers. Rather, a commentary on the international awareness of Toronto's real estate and development markets. Then again, it takes people who have been to other places to see what has been done. Perhaps Canadian developers should look beyond Vancouver and other North American cities and see, first hand, what other schools of thought are leading the way on the international scene. (Part of me thinks that already know that anyway).