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Research which took place in Saskatoon during COVID-19 school closures, found that immigrant parents in particular were affected in four ways: parent-teacher communication was hindered; children’s second language acquisition was delayed; schooling was neglected in favour of supporting well-being; and, parents relied on their own communities.

How other countries have moved to digital immigration provides important clues for Canada. Modernizing could build an efficient and fairer system.

Rather than bring about a post-labour world, the use of AI in the workplace is likely to increase precariousness and inequalities among workers.

As Canada experiments with using artificial intelligence (AI) in its immigration and refugee system, we must ensure the system protects human rights.

Immigration decisions are complex with high stakes for the people involved. The government must tread carefully on using AI in the screening process.

Experimenting with a systems approach using AI will help reveal its potential and allow immigration officials to begin asking different questions.

I don’t spend a lot of time looking at my site analytics, but I was curious this year, so had a look. I’m biased, but the lesson is that people want to share and access shared resources. They want to know what’s happening in the sector. They want to know who’s doing what. They want to understand and learn from their peers. They want to know what is being funded.

In June 2000, I was part of a discussion looking at what our community might look like in 20 years. I think what I said still fits for today and how we should approach technology in our work in social and human services.

Recently I presented a "lightening talk" at the Future of Good's Dismantling Digital Barriers Summit. The Summit sought to understand "what is digital equity? Who is left behind? And how do we close that gap?" It's a topic that has taken on increased importance in our sector. I thought I'd share my speaking notes.