Our community came together on November 6th, 2025 for a powerful afternoon of discussions about our most pressing problems – with a bias toward decisive, collective action to create the most vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous Canada.

The room was buzzing with conversation, collaboration, and community!

Five Key Insights

1. Canada’s social sector is critical to drive our inclusive prosperity

   Canada faces converging forces: economic shifts, demographic pressures, social fragmentation, and technological disruption. Inclusive prosperity is not optional — it is essential for national progress, and demands unlocking the potential of all Canadians, especially those in underserved communities. Charities and non-profits can be a greater catalytic force, but only if we overcome the sector’s “trilemma” - surging demand, shrinking resources, and workforce burnout. Investment in social sector infrastructure is an economic imperative.

2. The social sector has the human capital needed to drive progress

   Financial capital cannot drive progress without equivalent investment in people and the social capital that generates impact. Canada focuses heavily on financial capital mobilization but lacks a comprehensive human capital strategy – one that addresses skills alignment, credential portability, and training and education systems designed to meet future economic needs. The social sector must be part of this solution.

3. Shared language, definitions, and purpose unlock cross-sector impact

   Misalignment between the private, public, and social sectors stems from different definitions of impact, prosperity, and success. Cross-sector action requires a shared vocabulary and a collective north star. Unified language is the foundation for unified action and maximized results.

4. Collaboration must be designed, maintained, and supported — not assumed

   Voluntary collaboration isn't sufficient. The social sector needs structured incentives, clear decision-making frameworks, shared measurement systems, and intentional processes. Collaboration isn’t a by-product — it must be deliberately built and continuously maintained.

5. AI's transformative potential depends on social sector expertise at design and policy tables

   AI can amplify networks, strengthen measurement, and boost productivity, but only with ethical regulation, inclusive data practices, environmental consideration, and community-led adoption. Canada has an opportunity to lead in AI for social good.

We will continue these conversations throughout 2026 – stay tuned for more in-depth exploration and insights.