PPF Media

How to build Canada’s brain capital

Canada’s leading experts in education, tech, talent and health discuss how the country can support brain health and flourish in the age of AI

Published:November 9, 2026

Project: Build Big Talent

What will it take for Canadians to thrive in an AI-enabled economy? To explore this question, the Public Policy Forum is convening a diverse group of leaders from across Canada working at the intersection of talent, education, workforce development, technology, health and inclusion. They share their perspectives on strengthening brain health, building future-ready skills and creating the conditions for more Canadians to contribute, succeed and flourish.

Tom Mikkelsen, CEO and Scientific Director, Ontario Brain Institute, on breaking down silos and getting innovations from the lab into practical tools.

“AI expertise alone is not enough; we need people who can apply these technologies to meaningful scientific and clinical questions, critically interpret their outputs, and understand their limitations.”

Read Mikkelsen’s Q&A.

Andrew Nevin, PPF Fellow and Research Professor at the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas, Dallas, on focusing on foundational skills and the need for neuroscience education.

“Equipping Canadians with the tools and neuroliteracy to take agency over their brain health and performance can deliver a workforce with strong cognitive flexibility and resilience better positioned to respond to economic, technological and societal change, regardless of what the future holds.”

Read Nevin’s Q&A.

Melanie Valcin, CEO, United for Literacy on maintaining the skills to keep learning and think critically.

“Relying too heavily on AI to read, write and solve problems can weaken skills over time, and accepting its answers without question can erode critical thinking. People with lower literacy may be more exposed, since errors and bias can be harder to spot. Strengthening foundational skills helps people use AI as a tool rather than a substitute for our own judgment.”

Read Valcin’s Q&A.

Watch for more in this ongoing series.

“ Bigger tables, better narratives, broader impact”

Inez Jabalpurwala, President and CEO of the Public Policy Forum

By bringing together established leaders and emerging voices, our work produces resilient, practical policy ideas that serve all Canadians.

Become a Member Become a Sponsor Donate Now