Stop downgrading the role of Parliament
TORONTO—Our democratic system is in trouble, with MPs seen as out of touch with public needs and ineffective in dealing with public problems. One reason for this is the downgrading of the role of Parliament itself and the diminished role of individual MPs in shaping legislation or holding governments accountable. If we want to restore […]
The Canadian mandate: data governance for economic prosperity
The ministerial mandate letters are clear: there is a need to establish a new set of online rights focused on data use for Canadians. Three ministers in particular are charged with the main task of co-ordinating these new rights: innovation, science, and industry; heritage; and justice. Why such a focus on data? Simply put, there […]
‘Data, privacy, trade’: ministers tasked with AI file contending with fast, fundamental changes
From new ice forecasting techniques that help improve shipping safety in northern waters, to new tools involved with the reclamation of ancient Indigenous languages, to social media “chatbots” that respond to general questions about immigration and citizenship, the Canadian government is increasingly turning toward automated tools to solve tough problems, improve predictions, and cut down […]
How businesses can narrow the innovation gap in an AI-driven digital economy
Canada is pushing the new digital frontiers with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) research. Signs of an unfolding AI-driven digital economy can be seen almost everywhere: from lively labs and hubs with deep-learning researchers and high-tech startups in Toronto, Montréal, and other places, to the growing concentration of animated commentators, data scientists, venture capitalists, and global […]
Innovation, security will decide if 2020 is a year of fear or hope
There has been considerable speculation recently as to what life may be like for Canadians as we head into 2020, and beyond. Amplified by the perceptual effects of a turning decade, a palpable amount of political turmoil in world capitals, and incessant threats to our personal information, many are feeling uneasy. To better theorize about […]
Senator Brazeau calls on Senate to study mental health needs of Indigenous peoples, men and boys
PARLIAMENT HILL—Have you or do know anyone who has dealt with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts? I have. I survived two suicide attempts and suffer from mental health issues. To make a long story short, I lived through this because I was afraid and ashamed to ask for help. I’m #BrokenNoMore and that is why I’m reaching […]
Why Canada needs to take the plunge on AI
Canada has received acclaim around the world for supporting researchers, like Dr. Jeffery Hinton, who pioneered the deep learning approaches that have led to an explosion in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Accenture estimates AI has the potential to double economic growth rates by 2035, and in the private sector, we are witnessing tremendous adoption of […]
Nurturing Canada’s space economy now will yield exponential growth
At the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, part of our role as a national museum is to inspire youth towards education and careers in STEAM—that’s science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. The museum is part of Ingenium—Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation, and this as an integral part of Ingenium’s efforts to build a […]
OK, Boomer: The problem with analogue politicians in a digital world
OTTAWA—OK, Boomer. The fundamental lack of understanding of technology, paired with the complete disinterest in learning about it and how it affects our lives, is a massive problem for democratic governments, and Canada is not immune to this. In fact, this is where Canadian leadership takes hold—in deliberate ignorance. From New Zealand Member of Parliament […]
Research will solidify Canada’s cannabis advantage
Researchers use milestones and anniversaries as opportunities to stop and reflect on their projects, take stock of accomplishments and identify what still needs to be done. So, as we pass the one-year anniversary of the Cannabis Act, let’s stop for a moment and do just that. Initial challenges around policy and regulation, industrial production, and […]
