Final thought for this calendar: progress doesn't always roar. Sometimes it's the quiet, persistent effort of many people working together that slowly and fundamentally changes everything for the better.

So much of my work in different sectors comes back to one simple principle: listen to the people closest to the problem. They almost always have the clearest insight into the solution. The challenge is creating systems that actually value and act on that expertise.

Investing in high-quality public transit is one of the smartest things a city or province can do. It reduces congestion, lowers emissions, and makes our communities more accessible and livable for everyone.

A thought on public transit: it's not just about moving people from A to B. It's a powerful tool for social equity, climate action, and economic opportunity. Reliable, affordable transit connects people to jobs, education, and healthcare.

For non-Indigenous Canadians, this means educating ourselves on the history of residential schools, amplifying Indigenous voices, and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives. It's about moving from passive acknowledgment to active allyship.

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the end of the month, it's a time for reflection. Reconciliation is not a single event; it's an ongoing process of learning, listening, and taking meaningful action.

Heading into the weekend thinking about the importance of kindness without boundaries. It's not true kindness; it's often self-abandonment. Protecting your own energy and well-being is not selfish; it's necessary.

The use of the notwithstanding clause in Alberta should be a line in the sand for everyone. Wielding such immense constitutional power to preemptively strip Charter rights from one of our most vulnerable minorities is a dangerous and cynical act. Rights aren't a buffet you can pick from.

That quiet satisfaction of cancelling a subscription you forgot you even had. It feels like finding free money and decluttering your life all at once.

I have reached the age where a "wild Friday night" means finding a new and exciting documentary to watch. No complaints here.

As we become more digitally connected, we must be intentional about investing in and protecting these physical hubs of social infrastructure. They are where the informal bonds of community are built.

One of the most vital, yet often overlooked, elements of a thriving community is the presence of "third places"—the parks, libraries, community centres, and cafes where people can connect. These spaces are essential for combating social isolation.

Looking at the data, the long-term economic case for a universal pharmacare program is strong. It would lead to better health outcomes, a more productive workforce, and would actually be more efficient than our current patchwork system.

The debate around a national pharmacare program has been going on for decades. Access to necessary medicine shouldn't depend on your job or income. It's a fundamental part of a humane and effective healthcare system.

A progressive government should see scaling up Work-Integrated Learning not just as an education policy, but as a core part of its economic and workforce development strategy. It's a direct investment in our future talent pool.

Let's talk about the "experience paradox" facing new graduates: you can't get a job without experience, and you can't get experience without a job. This is a systemic failure, not an individual one. Paid, meaningful WIL is the most direct solution.

Universal Basic Income continues to be a compelling idea. It's not about "free money"; it's about providing a floor of economic stability so people have the security to take risks, start a small business, retrain for a new career, or care for a loved one

A core challenge for all large institutions—from universities to government ministries—is breaking down the internal silos that stifle collaboration. Real-world problems don't respect our org charts, so our approach to solving them shouldn't either.

The challenge isn't with the degrees; it's with our failure to build effective bridges—like mandatory WIL placements—that help students translate these essential skills into the language of the modern workforce.

There’s a persistent myth that the arts and humanities are "impractical" degrees. This is profoundly wrong. The ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and understand complex human systems is more valuable than ever in a world being reshaped by AI.

Observing the rise of AI tools in education. The potential for personalized learning is exciting, but we need a serious ethical conversation about data privacy and the risk of automating bias in assessment. We can't let the tech outpace our values.

A thought on leadership: true confidence isn't the absence of doubt; it's the willingness to act thoughtfully in spite of it. It’s about valuing progress over perfection and being willing to learn and adapt along the way.

This means the most effective public safety investments are often in things like affordable housing, accessible mental healthcare, high-quality public education, and youth programs. That's how you build safety from the ground up.

We often focus on the symptoms of unsafe communities instead of the root causes. A truly safe community isn't defined by the level of enforcement, but by the level of equity, opportunity, and social cohesion.

My work with WIL constantly shows that students are hungry for purpose. Connecting them with social enterprises for their projects is a powerful way to show them that a successful career and a meaningful impact can go hand-in-hand.

Thinking about the immense potential of social enterprises—businesses with a core social or environmental mission. This model challenges the false choice that an organization must be either for-profit or for-good. It proves you can build a viable business that also heals communities.

A truly progressive government initiative would be to fund and support lifelong learning hubs in every community, offering accessible training in everything from financial literacy to digital skills for all ages.

On International Literacy Day, let's expand our definition. In 2025, literacy must include digital and media literacy: the ability to critically evaluate sources, identify disinformation, and navigate the online world safely. It's a cornerstone of modern citizenship.

My "doom pile" of assorted mail and papers has officially become a structural element of the room. I am now afraid to move it, lest the whole house collapse.

The sheer confidence of a squirrel carrying a whole bagel across a wire is the energy I'm trying to bring to the rest of the year.

Today is the International Day of Charity. A good moment to recognize that non-profits are not just "doing good"; they are a fundamental part of our national economy and social infrastructure, employing millions of Canadians.

The most meaningful way to support this sector isn't just through one-time donations, but by advocating for better funding models, reducing administrative burdens, and valuing the professional expertise of the people doing this vital work.

Let's reframe the "Smart City" conversation. It shouldn't be about just layering tech onto urban life. A truly smart city uses technology ethically to enhance equity, accessibility, and sustainability for all its residents, with their consent and for their benefit.

A thought on student assessment: the high-stakes final exam is a relic. It primarily tests memory and performance under stress. We should be moving towards portfolios and real-world project evaluations that measure actual capability, collaboration, and critical thinking.

The most revolutionary solutions are rarely found in boardrooms. They're discovered by listening intently to the people who are living with the problem every single day. True innovation is about empowering grassroots expertise.

We need to get serious about building better Digital Public Infrastructure in Canada. A secure, unified digital ID, for example, isn't just a convenience; it's a foundational piece for more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly government services for all citizens.

Been observing the "quiet cutting" trend where companies slowly reduce investment in certain employees. It's a toxic, passive-aggressive management style that erodes trust and morale. Honest, direct communication is always the better path.

The start of September always feels like a "second New Year." A great opportunity for leaders in all sectors to ask: what is the one innovative process or project we can commit to trying this fall to better serve our communities?

As we head into the last long weekend of summer, a reminder that rest is not a reward for productivity; it is a prerequisite for it. Burnout culture serves no one in the long run.

Reacting to the latest inflation numbers. It's clear that broad-stroke solutions aren't working for everyone. This is where targeted, progressive policies like a Universal Basic Income could provide a crucial floor of stability for those hit hardest, without overheating the whole economy.

So much of my work at Riipen is helping educators shift from being a "sage on the stage" to a "guide on the side." It’s a less ego-driven, more impactful way to teach, empowering students to take ownership of their own discovery and learning.

A core tenet of systems thinking: where we intervene in a system matters immensely. We spend a fortune on downstream solutions (like emergency services) while consistently underfunding the upstream changes (like housing and mental health) that could prevent the crisis in the first place.

The push for a four-day work week isn't about working less; it's about working smarter and living healthier. It’s an innovation in operations that recognizes people are not machines. The data from pilots showing increased productivity and well-being is compelling.

That unique long weekend feeling of having no idea what day it is, and a deep, spiritual need to not find out.

My main talent for a long weekend is making an ambitious list of things to do, and then using that list as a coaster for my drink while I sit on the deck.

A "skills gap" is often just a translation problem. Students have incredible skills in research, critical thinking, and communication, but they need help articulating them in the language of the job market. This is where well-designed WIL projects are so powerful.

Thinking about the immense amount of untapped potential in our local non-profits. They are often the closest to our communities' biggest challenges, yet the furthest from the halls of power and funding.

As the "back to school" season ramps up, it's a good time to question what we're sending students back to. We need to move beyond just optimizing the old classroom model and start building entirely new, more dynamic learning experiences connected to real-world challenges.

The ongoing housing crisis requires an "all-of-the-above" approach, and that includes tackling our skilled trades shortage. We simply cannot build the homes we need without the people to build them.

The success of this will depend on genuine collaboration between provinces, territories, and the federal government. A true test of our ability to work together for a more unified Canadian economy.