When I envision Canada’s future, to me, it’s not defined by our natural resources, technology, or infrastructure; I see it represented by our people. Canada is one of the most educated countries in the world, comprised of people from diverse backgrounds who possess a wide range of knowledge, skills, and expertise. The education our people receive can have a transformative impact on our society, but we must ensure that the system benefits all Canadians.
I’ve worked across various sectors, from business to education, and have seen that investing in education is not just a moral choice but an economic imperative, a social uplifter, and a strategic investment in our future prosperity. Canada has a strong global reputation for education. Still, to sustain and strengthen this reputation, we must ensure that our education system, from early childhood through lifelong learning, prepares individuals for a world reshaped by evolving technologies, including AI, automation, and digital transformation.
Education has long been a pathway to opportunity, but in today’s world, it can also serve as the foundation for inclusive and intelligent growth. When we invest in education, we’re not just shaping individual futures; we’re strengthening communities, reducing inequality, and fueling innovation. Studies show that every dollar invested in education yields multiple dollars in long-term GDP growth. More importantly, it has the power to lift people out of poverty, empower marginalized communities, and equip individuals with the skills and confidence to participate meaningfully in our society and economy. By providing equitable access to quality education, we’re not only helping people succeed; we are also ensuring that Canada continues to thrive as a model of social cohesion and shared prosperity.
The rise of AI is forcing us to rethink what, how, and why we learn. Tasks that were once exclusively performed by humans, AI can now do, such as writing essays, analyzing data, designing software, and even simulating human conversations. By automating routine and analytical tasks, AI changes the skills in demand, raising concerns that it could render traditional learning obsolete. If machines can do our work faster and better, what then is the purpose of education? I believe the opposite is true. In a world shaped by AI, education becomes more valuable, not less. The real question is: what kind of education do we need?
AI will handle repetitive tasks and data-heavy processes. What it can’t replace are human traits like creativity, empathy, ethics, critical thinking, and the ability to connect ideas across disciplines. These are the skills our education system must nurture. We need to shift from an information-based model, where success is measured by how much students memorize, to a capability-based model, where learning is about adaptability, problem-solving, and innovation. We must teach students how to think, not just what to think.
One of the greatest challenges is the widening gap between education and employability. Too often, students graduate with degrees but lack the practical skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market, and AI is widening this gap by reshaping the demand for talent across industries. We must respond by strengthening partnerships among schools, from high school to post-secondary institutions, with employers, ensuring that learning is more practical, integrated, and relevant to the needs of the workforce. Work-integrated learning, such as co-ops, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs, must be available in all disciplines, not just technical fields. We must also make digital and AI literacy as foundational as reading and math.
Education cannot end with graduation. Lifelong learning, from micro-credentials to online reskilling, must become the new normal. AI will continuously change the landscape of work. Our education system must make it easy and accessible for Canadians of all ages to keep learning, adapting, and thriving. Innovation does not happen in isolation; it is cultivated in environments that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. These are the scenarios that education enables.
As AI accelerates, critical thinking and asking the right questions are more crucial than ever, and Canada has the capabilities to lead the way. We have world-class institutions and diverse communities, but we must better connect schools, businesses, and communities to turn ideas into real long-term impact through the ethical use of AI. This means educating people to understand both the technology and its societal implications on privacy and integrity. Investing in education isn’t just about sustaining a competitive edge; it’s also about keeping innovation rooted in compassion and conscience.
Yet AI can also widen inequality: those with access to technology and education will thrive, while others risk being left behind, and when we leave people behind, we limit our collective potential. By empowering everyone to learn, adapt, and contribute, we can build a stronger, more innovative, and compassionate Canada. Government funding is essential, but it cannot carry the load alone; the private sector must also play an active role. Through Computek College and our partnerships, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible results that businesses achieve when they invest in education. Whether it is working with schools to develop training programs, funding scholarships, or offering mentorship and practicum programs, these collaborations help to bridge learning with workforce needs.
Investment in education is not just about funding classrooms or technology; it’s about believing that every person, regardless of background or circumstances, holds potential that can be unlocked with the right opportunities, and this starts with providing proper education. That means viewing education not as a cost, but as capital. Our future will depend less on what we extract from the ground and more on what we cultivate in the classroom. AI may transform industries, but human potential, shaped by education, will always be the most powerful driver of progress. Canada’s future strength and resilience depend on a smart investment in our people through education.
