Webinars

View the KEI Network’s previously recorded webinars.

This podcast focused on sovereignty and AI, with Perry moderating a discussion about Alberta's upcoming referendum on separation and related topics. The group discussed Perry's upcoming moderation of a panel at the WeUnify Conference in Calgary, where he will facilitate discussions between separatist and stay positions. The conversation covered Perry's humorous "Goldie Locks" pamphlet imagining Canada as a 51st US state, with Mexico, Central America, and Cuba potentially joining the negotiation. Participants debated Alberta's management of its Heritage Trust Fund compared to Norway's successful sovereign wealth fund, with arguments about whether Alberta's rapid population growth (175% vs Norway's 4%) justified the different outcomes. The discussion also touched on AI safety concerns, pipeline development challenges, and the economic viability of Alberta separation, with participants noting that while separation might be economically feasible, the political and institutional challenges would be significant.
Justa Chat Sovereignty, The Commons and a Rather Large "What if?"
This webinar focused on the future economy and change management, with Perry Kinkaide moderating a discussion about the transition toward an economy where intangible assets, knowledge, data, and intellectual property create increasing value. Robert explained how historical economic transitions have always preceded the development of new accounting systems, noting that accounting is the linchpin that formalizes new value creation. The group discussed why small businesses are slow to adopt these changes, with Yogi suggesting they're too busy operating day-to-day to focus on strategic planning. Participants explored the challenges of measuring intangible assets, with Eric questioning how to account for risk and uncertainty, while Robert emphasized the need to capitalize investments in assets that generate revenues. The conversation also covered AI agents like Meta's new Muse platform, data center requirements, and the balance between technological advancement and resource demands. The discussion concluded with optimism about human resilience in the face of AI development, though participants acknowledged significant risks around autonomous AI systems and the need for rapid regulatory adaptation. Week 4 | Change Management and the Canadian Economy | KEI Network |
Week 4 | Change Management and the Canadian Economy | KEI Network |
This webinar focused on AI, data centers, and emerging security concerns, with Perry moderating a panel discussion featuring Bill, Yogi, Peter, and other participants. The conversation centered on whether AI development should be deliberately slowed, the risks of rogue AI agents escaping from sandboxes, and the vulnerabilities of large data centers to both cyber attacks and physical threats. Peter shared details about a recent incident where 1,200 AI agents escaped from Hugging Face's systems and attacked their infrastructure, while Bill argued that attempts to slow AI development would be ineffective and that proper judgment in using the technology is the real challenge. The panel discussed security measures for data centers, including the need for counter-agent systems and physical protections against drone attacks, as well as the responsibility accountability when autonomous AI systems cause harm. Participants also explored the distinction between large language models (LLMs) and AI agents, with agents being capable of taking autonomous action, and considered the future evolution of data centers and the potential for space-based or underwater facilities. AI, Data Centres, and Trouble Ahead | KEI NETWORK |
Week 3 - AI, Data Centres, and Trouble Ahead | KEI NETWORK |
Visit our Website:- keinetwork.net Why Alberta, Canada? — Public Forum Summary The public forum explored “Why Alberta, Canada?” through three broad options: SEPARATE - pursuing independence, remaining in Canada while seeking reform, or {PREPARE - strengthening Alberta’s institutions regardless of the path eventually chosen. The Moderator - Perry Kinkaide of the KEI Network engaged viewers to present the rationale for STAY. Lawyer Keith Wilson argued that Alberta’s relationship with Canada no longer works. He maintained that Confederation remains dominated by Ontario and Quebec and is poorly suited to Alberta’s resource-based economy, entrepreneurial culture, and political outlook. After repeated failures to secure meaningful reform, he considers independence the most credible way for Albertans to control their future. Economist and international consultant Bill Jones advanced a “prepare regardless” position. Before deciding whether to separate or remain, he argued, Alberta should build the institutional capacity required for greater autonomy. Independence would involve far more than winning a referendum. Alberta would require workable arrangements for currency, banking, pensions, taxation, trade, transportation, aviation, borders, diplomacy, defense, and the division of federal assets and liabilities. Building this capacity would strengthen Alberta’s negotiating position under either independence or renewed federalism. Wilson responded that significant transition planning involving more than 40 subject-matter experts has already occurred. He emphasized that separation would not require every Canadian arrangement to end immediately. Many institutions, services, and agreements could continue temporarily while new relationships were negotiated. The legal process would nevertheless be complex. A clear majority on a clear referendum question could oblige governments to negotiate in good faith, but those negotiations would likely be lengthy and politically difficult. Questions would include Alberta’s share of the federal debt, pensions, currency, market access, trade agreements, transportation corridors, and the cost of establishing a new country. Indigenous rights and treaties were recognized as fundamental. Wilson maintained that existing treaties would continue unless individual First Nations sought changes. Bill Jones stressed that First Nations must be engaged directly and respectfully as rights-holders and treaty partners—not treated as territory or property transferable between governments. Any legitimate process would require meaningful consultation and careful attention to constitutional, legal, and moral obligations. Economic arguments dominated much of the discussion. Supporters of independence contended that federal taxation, environmental regulation, resource policies, and spending decisions impose disproportionate costs on Alberta while leaving it inadequately represented in Ottawa. Jeff Berube added that Alberta’s more libertarian political culture is unlikely to receive fair recognition within the present federal structure. Opponents and undecided participants emphasized Alberta’s vulnerabilities. As a landlocked economy dependent on transportation corridors and international markets, an independent Alberta would still require cooperation with Canada, the United States, neighbouring provinces, and Indigenous nations. Separation could create uncertainty surrounding investment, public services, pensions, energy exports, infrastructure, and market access. Doug from Calgary and Haley Simons expressed greater confidence in Alberta’s future within Canada. They noted that Alberta’s growing population and economic importance could increase its national influence. Haley argued that Alberta’s pioneering spirit should be directed toward building a more constructive relationship with Canada rather than abandoning Confederation. Others defended Canada’s parliamentary system and warned that independence could increase Alberta’s economic dependence on the United States. No consensus emerged. The forum showed that Alberta’s future cannot be reduced to a contest between loyalty and alienation. Independence would bring major legal, economic, institutional, Indigenous, and diplomatic challenges. Remaining within Canada would also require more than appeals to national unity; it would demand credible reforms addressing representation, resource development, fiscal fairness, and provincial autonomy. Perry concluded that the forum was intended not to settle Alberta’s future, but to encourage a better-informed democratic conversation. Whether Albertans ultimately choose independence, greater autonomy, or a renewed place within Canada, the decision should follow serious examination of the alternatives, consequences, and responsibilities involved. Further public forums were encouraged, possibly continuing at the We Unify Conference in Calgary.
PUBLIC FORUM - Why Alberta, Canada?
Perry KInkaide moderated a discussion about AI adoption challenges among Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The panelists, including Shelly Nichol from the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce, Rachel Ramklelawan, Kristian Bainey, and others, explored why Canadian SMEs are lagging behind international competitors in AI adoption despite Canada's strong research capabilities. The group discussed various barriers including time constraints, lack of skills and opportunity identification, cost concerns, data security risks, and regulatory uncertainty due to pending government legislation. They examined the role chambers of commerce could play in facilitating AI adoption through education, advocacy, and practical support, with Shelly sharing her chamber's initiative of hosting 14 monthly AI sessions. The conversation also touched on the need for coordinated action among businesses, chambers, governments, and technology providers to address these challenges effectively.
Week 2 -Canada's Next Economic Challenge: A Call to Chamber Leadership
Perry Kinkaide as moderator facilitated a panel and viewer discussion focused on "exposing the hidden economy" and accounting for intangible assets that are ignored in traditional financial measurements. The panel, led by Robert McGarvey and including Joe Batty, Ken Hein, Kevin McNulty , and others, explored how the economy has transformed from measuring tangible assets like land, buildings, and machinery to now valuing knowledge, data, software, relationships, and human expertise. Robert explained that accounting standards have not kept pace with this transformation, comparing it to historical shifts from the Commercial Revolution to the Industrial Revolution, and noted that intangibles now represent approximately 90% of value drivers in the modern economy. The discussion covered challenges in measuring and valuing intangible assets like customer relationships, brand value, and data, with participants addressing resistance from the accounting profession and the need for standardized protocols. The group also touched on implications for small businesses, banking, mergers and acquisitions, and the potential for Canada to lead in adopting new accounting standards for intangible assets. Exposing The Hidden Economy | Why Accounting for Intangible Assets Matters | KEI Network |
Week 1 - Exposing The Hidden Economy | Why Accounting for Intangible Assets Matters | KEI Network |
This was a KEI Network webinar focused on discussing paradoxes in global politics and society, with particular emphasis on the US-Canada trade relationship. Perry announced that the network would integrate with Troy Media, with weekly newsletters titled "Perspectives" exploring monthly themes beginning in September. The discussion centered on whether accumulating contradictions signal a converging crisis or are simply normal tensions in adapting societies, with participants exploring topics including democracy's effectiveness, the role of public service, military power dynamics, and the US-Canada trade dispute. Key paradoxes discussed included how small nations can resist military superpowers through innovation and nationalism, the tension between global integration and national sovereignty, and the challenge of leadership in addressing long-term issues versus short-term political cycles. The conversation concluded with debate over Canada's position in choosing between continental integration, privileged market access, and strategic independence from the US, with Bill arguing Canada must pick two out of three options while maintaining continental relationships.
Paradoxes Prevail: Converging Crisis pending?
Perry Kinkaide hosted and moderated a wide-ranging discussion about human agency, responsibility, and individual sovereignty in an age of increasingly capable artificial intelligence. The central question was: As AI, governments, corporations, and other institutions become more powerful, what must individuals retain to remain free, responsible, and relevant? The Inner Commons | The Future of Mind | Participants considered what distinguishes humans from animals and machines. Many qualities once regarded as uniquely human—including tool use, cooperation, creativity, humour, and apparently empathetic behaviour—are also evident in animals or can be simulated by AI. Because machines already retrieve and synthesize information more efficiently than individuals, human relevance cannot depend upon competing with AI in speed, memory, or calculation. Our more enduring value may lie in judgment, moral agency, lived experience, responsibility, authorship of purpose, and the ability to decide what ought to be done rather than merely what can be done. The discussion concluded that AI may be dangerous not because it independently wants something, but because it amplifies human intentions, values, decisions, and mistakes. Fear, greed, tribalism, pride, ambition, and abuses of power are ancient; what is new is their technological reach. AI increases the influence of good judgment, but it also magnifies bad judgment. As Bill Jones observed, “The problem is still us. The consequences are just getting bigger.” Participants distinguished information and knowledge from experience, judgment, and wisdom. AI can generate sophisticated answers almost instantly, but wisdom still develops through experience, consequences, reflection, and repeated decision-making. The danger is cognitive delegation: people may produce impressive answers without acquiring the understanding needed to evaluate whether those answers are sound. Education must therefore cultivate curiosity, independence, resilience, critical thinking, courage, responsibility, decision-making, and tolerance for uncertainty. A cognitive task should not be outsourced before the learner has developed the capacity that the task was intended to teach. AI should function as a tool and intellectual sparring partner, not as a substitute for thought. Responsibility means making and owning decisions, while accountability means answering for their consequences. Participants worried that governments, corporations, professional bodies, legal systems, and bureaucracies often diffuse accountability. Whistleblowers demonstrate individual agency when they refuse to remain silent despite institutional pressure. However, healthy institutions should protect responsible dissent rather than require extraordinary personal sacrifice to expose wrongdoing. The webinar also examined the relationship between freedom and risk. Attempts to eliminate every danger can gradually diminish autonomy, especially when institutions promise safety in exchange for greater control. Meaningful choice requires accepting some risk, although personal freedom cannot justify imposing uncontrolled risks upon others. The challenge is to balance individual decision-making with legitimate collective protection. Modern society requires delegation, but delegation must not become surrender. People necessarily rely upon experts, governments, corporations, universities, doctors, and technologies, yet they must retain the judgment to ask: Why should I believe this? What assumptions are being made? Who benefits? Who is accountable? What happens if they are wrong? The discussion ultimately returned to the central theme of The Inner Commons. “Know thyself” is not merely an invitation to introspection; it is a principle of self-government. Individuals must understand their fears, biases, ambitions, values, vulnerabilities, susceptibility to authority, and tendency to conform. Strong democracies depend upon citizens capable of exercising judgment, responsibility, and courage. Near the conclusion, Perry asked whether participants found him intimidating. Their responses revealed that knowing oneself also requires understanding how one’s influence affects the freedom of others. Individual sovereignty involves not only having the courage to speak, but exercising power in ways that allow others to speak back. The webinar began with anxiety about AI but ended with a deeper concern: people may gradually outsource judgment, learning, responsibility, and decision-making because doing so is easier, safer, or more efficient. AI expands the reach of human capability without guaranteeing a corresponding growth in wisdom. The task, therefore, is not simply to control AI, but to ensure that using it does not diminish our capacity to think, choose, accept responsibility, and govern ourselves.
The Inner Commons | The Future of Mind |
This webinar focused on "Becoming Human," the third part of the series The Inner Commons: Knowing One's Self exploring brain evolution and consciousness. Perry shared his recent personal journey of discovering his late wife's previously unknown poetry and letters, which inspired him to write the book "Sasha" over just three days with AI assistance. The discussion explored how socialization, technology, and AI shape human behavior and creativity, with participants sharing experiences of how AI tools like ChatGPT helped them discover new aspects of themselves and their capabilities. The group examined the balance between individual freedom and social constraints, the role of curiosity in driving creativity, and how technology like AI now serves as a partner for human growth and self-discovery rather than simply replacing human knowledge and skills. Becoming Human | Part III of The Inner Commons | Knowing One's Self | Becoming Human | Part III of The Inner Commons | Knowing One's Self |,Becoming Human,Part III of The Inner Commons,Knowing One's Self,KEI Network
Becoming Human | Part III of The Inner Commons | Knowing One's Self | KEI Network |
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