Jean Claude Helou

My "inner nerd" immediately lit up reading this piece by Sandra Lapointe for Canadian Collaborative for Society, Innovation and Policy. As someone studying applied math, it is clear to me that if your "map" is too simple, your policy will fail. We have been trying to manage a Complex Adaptive System (our society) using basic linear math, which is like treating a living ecosystem as a simple machine. This is exactly why I founded The Human Puzzle. We are moving past "equilibrium" models to design the integrated systems like science, policy, and computation that are actually required to solve our most complex challenges. It is time to upgrade the toolkit.

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https://lnkd.in/gdMkhVEC Canada no longer has the luxury of incremental reform. The choice is between efficiency-driven competitiveness and stagnation under complexity. By embedding efficiency into governance, reducing transaction friction, and empowering firms to scale globally, Canada can redefine its economic narrative—from a country that follows innovation trends to one that sets them. This transformation is more than economic strategy—it is the blueprint for Canada’s next generation of prosperity. #CanadaEconomy #InnovationPolicy #Efficiency #TransactionCost #Scalability #Productivity #SRandED #BuyCanadian #IPOwnership #GlobalCompetitiveness

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🚨 New AI Compute Access Fund Announced 🚨 Evan Solomon announced The Government of Canada has launched the AI Compute Access Fund as part of its Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy, aiming to give researchers, SMEs, and innovators critical access to high-performance computing resources. This investment is a step forward, but compute access is only one piece of the puzzle. From years of working alongside SMEs across Canada, I’ve seen firsthand how the real barriers to AI adoption go far beyond hardware. Skills gaps, integration challenges with legacy systems, lack of AI governance capacity, and uncertainty around responsible deployment continue to hold back many of our most promising companies. This fund is worth a look if you or your partners are in the research or early-scale innovation space, but if we want AI adoption to reach the backbone of our economy—small and medium-sized enterprises—we need strategies that match investment with support for readiness, ethical deployment, and practical integration. 🔗 Learn more or apply here: https://lnkd.in/gFY-G-t6 What do you think? Are we addressing the root causes of Canada’s AI adoption gap or just scratching the surface? #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #CanadianInnovation #DigitalTransformation #SMEs #ComputeAccess #AIEthics #TechPolicy #InnovationEcosystem #Leadership #FutureOfWork #MachineLearning #GovTech #CDNTech #ResponsibleAI

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My blog post today takes a look at Deloitte's 2026 TMT predictions. Deloitte's report predicts movement in 2026 towards getting AI to scale. That leads me to ask: Will Canada’s AI strategy focus on incentives to innovate, and resist the urge for overly prescriptive regulations? Deloitte’s TMT predictions - the year of AI • Telecom Trends https://lnkd.in/gAF8cDq2

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Appreciate seeing this kind of support and visibility for Canada's innovation ecosystem. Ecosystems don’t grow on their own. They require intentional policy, sustained investment, and infrastructure that reaches beyond urban cores. If we’re serious about inclusive innovation, we need to fund the connective tissue: SME's, colleges, applied R&D, digital infrastructure, and skills pathways that serve both industry and public interest. Looking forward to seeing how we move from narrative to implementation—ensuring Canada’s innovation ecosystem thrives and delivers. #InnovationCanada #InclusiveGrowth #SystemsLeadership #DigitalInfrastructure #AppliedResearch #FutureSkills #PublicImpact

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Canada’s success in AI will depend not only on technology but on how effectively we apply it.   We pride ourselves on innovation, yet too often we play it safe. To lead in the global AI race, Canada must shift from ideas to real-world applications, as technology is ineffective without practical use.   Research from the Capgemini Research Institute shows that 80% of organizations worldwide have increased Gen AI investments since 2023. But unlocking AI’s full value requires more than tools; it calls for human creativity, judgment, and adaptability. The shift happens when we stop asking, "How do we protect our jobs?" and start asking, "How do we help people do their jobs better?"   At #Capgemini, we’re helping organizations accelerate this journey by applying emerging technologies to empower talent and create real impact. Canada can either be cautious or lead with confidence.    How is your team harnessing AI’s potential? Share your thoughts below.   #AI #CapgeminiCanada #HumanIntelligence

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AI is transforming the way we work at KPMG Canada, and the professional services field more broadly. As an early adopter of AI, we have been experimenting with AI use cases, implementing new tools and improving our workflows, processes and how we deliver value to Canadian organizations.   With tools like Kleo, our proprietary AI platform, our employee AI usage rate has risen to 85% and inching towards full adoption every day. AI-powered KPMG platforms like Digital Gateway, OnePort and Clara empower our teams to innovate and work more effectively. And Global AI platforms such as Workbench and Velocity enable stronger collaboration between KPMG member firms and ensure consistency and quality on a global scale.   But it’s not just about the tools - what really makes AI come to life at KPMG is our people. From our CEO, who uses AI to refine speaking notes, to the teams in our Agentic AI Engine developing front office solutions for financial services clients, our professionals are working smarter than ever by using AI as a growth enabler and amplifier.   Read about our journey so far in this story by Aimée Look in The Logic: https://lnkd.in/gFtkybac

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Q Insight –12th Edition   Happy to share the latest edition of Q Insights: https://lnkd.in/gJD3VzW6   This edition starts with a highly insightful look at the lead to profile views ratio at KanataQ. This analysis is based on 18,000 profile views and 6000 sales leads on KanataQ. The analysis reveals that Governance & Accountability, Sustainable Finance, and Social & Human Capital solutions enjoy the highest lead/profile views ratio, meaning users viewing solutions within these categories are most likely to email, book a meeting, or check the provider's website or LinkedIn profile.   In the interview section, the CEO of Socialsuite, Seth Forman, explains how the company is redefining sustainability and impact management through its AI-driven double materiality platform, designed to help companies meet CSRD and IFRS requirements efficiently. SocialSuite replaces costly, one-off consultancy projects with an accessible, scalable software solution that reduces time and costs by up to 80%! Seth and his team have built a truly world class offering at SocialSuite, read what he has to say, there is much to learn about what makes a standout company in this field.     On top of the above, we also highlight exciting updates from KanataQ-listed providers: Diginex [NASDAQ: DGNX], Novata, Sunhat and ECO-OS, among other key news and developments within the sustainability solutions space.   Huge thanks to Ardit Naka and KanataQ’s editorial team for curating another outstanding edition. Your tireless efforts and amazing work are truly appreciated.

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Reinventing automation starts with intent. Hear from Ahmad Haj Mosa, PhD and Kwesi Apponsah, PhD, leaders in our AI Services team, as they share how PwC Canada is moving from traditional requirements to a goal-oriented approach for agent development. This shift creates adaptive, collaborative agents that deliver outcomes aligned with business goals—powered by intelligent orchestration and continuous feedback. https://pwc.to/3ZxhFmR

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I am pleased to announce that my Business Engine Partners partners John Parolisi, Marcus Durant and Jeff McKay have authored the book "The Operating Model Imperative: The Science of Designing Enterprises Built for Speed, Scale, and Continuous Change." In the book, they explore why strategy now moves faster than operations can adapt -- and proffer the Science of Operating Models as the answer. At its core is the Operating Model as a living, digital business twin: guiding execution today while enabling agility tomorrow. Part manifesto, part framework -- this is a blueprint for enterprises built to move at the speed of change. #operatingmodels https://lnkd.in/gkrp5CHp

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#ICYMI: Earlier today, Associate Minister Nina Tangri announced that #OCI is expanding the reach and impact of Ontario’s Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) thanks to a new $7.5M investment from the Ontario Government | Gouvernement de l’Ontario. This investment builds on our long-standing mandate to support early-stage #innovation, strengthen Ontario’s technology ecosystem, and help businesses compete globally—especially in fast-moving sectors like fintech, health, manufacturing, and now, 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭. Learn more 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gYamH4yv

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Strong partnerships are essential to turning research into real economic impact. It was a pleasure meeting with Alejandro Adem to discuss OCI’s long-standing collaboration with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) . For more than 15 years, OCI and NSERC have worked together to co-fund collaborative R&D between Ontario companies and the province’s colleges and universities. The goal is to strengthen industry-academic collaboration and help move promising research from the lab into the marketplace. Over the past five years, this partnership has supported 122 projects, representing $11.9M in co-funded investment, alongside contributions from industry partners. The outcomes from those projects include: • 345 jobs created or retained • $24.9M in new sales • $94.6M in follow-on investment Partnerships like this are an important part of building Ontario’s innovation economy. We look forward to continuing the work with NSERC to drive increased impact. Ontario Centre of Innovation #CDNtech #InnovationEconomy #ResearchToImpact #OntarioTech

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EY’s Agentic AI platform, FlexiGenAI, has been deployed on TELUS' Sovereign AI Factory – Canada's first operational, fully sovereign AI infrastructure facility. The platform leverages NVIDIA's latest accelerated computing in TELUS’ high-performance, Canadian-controlled Sovereign AI Factory to deliver enterprise-grade capabilities with enhanced security and performance specifically designed for government and business-critical workloads while storing sensitive data securely within national borders and under Canadian control. The future of AI is here - and it’s sovereign, secure, and scalable. https://lnkd.in/gDPmbp58 #AI #SovereignAI #NVIDIA #Innovation #EYCanada #TELUS #FlexiGenAI

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A strong digital economy depends on trusted, sovereign infrastructure. Bell’s collaboration with SAP Canada will provide our enterprise customers with a Canadian‑hosted cloud and AI environment built to keep their most sensitive data secure, right here in Canada. This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver secure, locally operated platforms that support digital sovereignty and accelerate AI adoption across the Canadian economy. 

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Smart manufacturing promises solutions to evolving industry challenges, but transformation isn’t always straightforward. Our latest article examines the current state of advanced manufacturing in Canada and offers a practical road map to help mid-sized manufacturers tackle barriers and plan their next steps. 👉 See the full steps and insights: https://direc.to/ny_N #Momentum2025

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Can Canada become the next Silicon Valley?    Rising trade tensions might just give Canada the chance it needs to become a global tech leader.    As trade tensions rise and new U.S. visa restrictions shake up the global tech landscape, Canada is seizing the moment to position itself as a hub for innovation, AI and advanced manufacturing.    At the recent All In AI Conference in Montreal, government leaders made it clear that the goal is to create a “made-in-Canada” tech ecosystem, which:     👉 Keeps homegrown talent here  👉 Attracts global innovators looking for stability and opportunity  👉 Supports smaller, up-and-coming AI players.    The country is betting that calmer markets, research-friendly policy and a wave of patriotic energy will help it step out from under America’s tech shadow.    Despite the opportunities, some challenges still remain, such as brain drain and funding gaps.     However, many are optimistic that this could be a significant time of change, growth and opportunity. Canada has the talent, the universities, and the infrastructure. What’s needed now is continued investment and leadership to turn potential into permanence.    Read more about the made-in-Canada tech ecosystem here: https://lnkd.in/gDAxHa-x  

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Expanding on my musing from last week... I have been asked by many to list strategic priorities to consider for the #GC. Thank you for being interested in keeping this conversation going... 🇨🇦 Canadian leaders now face a simple but pressing question: will we shape AI, or be shaped by it? (had to say this one more time!) Trust and data: the foundation for AI readiness Transformation must be built on trust. The 2025 IBV CEO study found that 81% of public leaders believe constituent trust will matter more to success than any single service feature. However, a recent survey conducted by the IBM IBV found that only 1 in 4 Canadian constituents indicate they have high levels of trust in the Canadian central government. This gap must close. From theory to impact: strategies for maximizing AI in government Realizing the full promise of AI requires more than technology—it demands leadership, structure, and intentional design. To maximize value, government leaders should consider the following strategic priorities: - Enhance public engagement and transparency by involving citizens in how AI is developed and deployed - Streamline citizen services using AI-powered tools that are accessible, responsive, and user-friendly - Design AI for human collaboration, augmenting—not replacing—public servants - Establish a central AI governance office to ensure alignment, oversight, and ethical deployment - Develop adaptive governance models that evolve alongside emerging technologies - Embed ethical AI practices, prioritizing fairness, accountability, and inclusivity Invest in data infrastructure to ensure secure, accurate, and connected systems - Upskill the workforce with practical AI knowledge and ethical literacy These strategies provide a blueprint for meaningful, mission-driven AI adoption—anchored in trust, resilience, and impact. The opportunity is urgent and clear: Canadian governments can use AI to deliver faster services, better decisions, and more trusted institutions. But success requires bold leadership, strategic investment, and Industry partnerships with the tech sector. Happy #NPSW IBM

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Bill 27 Has Raised the Bar on PHS: What Québec Businesses MUST Know Since 2020, most Canadian businesses have demonstrated and deepened their commitment to worker mental health, offering broadening networks of supports including resilience-building training, access to iCBT, or expanded psychological benefits. Many have gone further, implementing cultural change and training to boost psychological safety in the workplace. But what about preventing psychological illness and injury due to risks in the workplace? With Bill 27 (an Act to Modernize the Occupational Health and Safety Regime) now in force, provincially-regulated employers of all sizes in Québec must now ensure that work-related psychosocial risks – hazards from work design, management, or environment that can cause psychological harm to the worker – are included in their prevention program or action plan. This means that managing workplace threats to mental health is no longer an emerging trend - it’s a compliance requirement. Here’s what every employer operating in Québec needs to understand: ▶️ Psychosocial risks are now regulated hazards Businesses must identify, assess, prevent, and document them – just like physical safety risks. This means updating hazard assessments, policies, and governance structures to encompass psychosocial risks alongside traditional physical ones. ▶️ Health & Safety, HR, and Operations must work together Workload, leadership behaviours, culture, conflict, communication: these are now shared accountability areas. Working in silos, without coordinated awareness and prevention efforts, won’t meet regulator expectations. ▶️ Inspectors will expect evidence of compliance You’ll need to show: • What psychosocial risks exist in your workplace, and how you assessed them • What preventive measures you’ve implemented • How you’re monitoring effectiveness, and documenting issues over time ▶️ Québec is first, but others will follow Bill 27 is a preview of what’s coming nationwide. Up next: BC has signaled that it is preparing for consultation on a draft. ▶️ You can use this as a springboard to get ahead, in Québec and nationally Standards and regulations across the globe offer follow similar requirements to identify, assess, and mitigate psychosocial risks. Early movers who follow this lead and apply these principles will reduce risk, avoid compliance surprises, and strengthen culture. Leaders in HR, Safety, and Operations: ❓Do you know what psychosocial hazards are present in your workplace? ❓ What clarity, learning, tools, or support do you still need to comply? ❓ Does it make sense to operate separate systems – or are you ready to manage psychosocial risks enterprise-wide? Reach out for help meeting requirements, and to navigate this new landscape strategically, meaningfully, and sustainably. #psychologicalhealthandsafety #mentalhealth #healthandsafety #PHS Keith Serre, MSc., P.Eng. Emily Clark

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🔵 Free eBook: Are stakeholder engagement inefficiencies holding your team back? Canadian government projects depend on seamless, transparent communication, but outdated processes, scattered records, and manual tracking can lead to missed opportunities and setbacks. Our latest eBook uncovers the biggest stakeholder engagement inefficiencies facing government teams and shows you how to overcome them. Discover: 1️⃣ The most common pain points slowing down engagement. 2️⃣ How inefficiency impacts trust, compliance, and project timelines. 3️⃣ Proven strategies (and tools!) to streamline your processes. Don't let your team fall behind. Download your free copy now ⬇️https://lnkd.in/g-YeMMDx

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