Webinars

View the KEI Network’s previously recorded webinars.

The KEI Network's podcast discussion focused on Starlink, AI, and the challenge of global governance, triggered by Mark Carney's announcement of up to $1.6 billion in public funding for Cohere and TelSat to protect Canadian sovereignty in AI and satellite systems. Participants discussed how orbital satellite networks and AI systems now sit with corporations like Elon Musk's SpaceX rather than governments, raising concerns about individual control over global communication systems that can be enabled or disabled with a single switch, as demonstrated during the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The conversation explored whether democratic governance could regulate these technologies, with participants noting that many potential regulators are autocracies, and questioned whether humanist values should guide these emerging technologies rather than profit motives. Additional topics included Canada's potential to develop a northern Silk Road corridor, the impact of AI and robots on healthcare systems facing demographic challenges, and the recovery of cod fisheries in Atlantic Canada, though the discussion remained centered on the urgent need for global governance of AI and orbital satellite networks Starlinks, AI and the Challenge of Global Governance | KEI Network |
Starlinks, AI and the Challenge of Global Governance | KEI Network |
This was a webinar discussion hosted by Perry Kinkaide of the KEI Network on the topic of "the public good and the freedom we surrender," exploring whether society has mistaken material progress for human progress and whether the "human commons" can be restored. The conversation began with nostalgic music for the introduction reflecting on times when hope prevailed. The viewers were engaged imn a discussion prompted by 5 questions: whether hope has been lost in modern culture, if material progress has replaced human progress, if AI is making humanity more capable but less relevant, and whether the human commons can be restored. Participants shared perspectives on how government programs have shifted responsibility from individuals and communities to public institutions, the erosion of personal sovereignty through excessive regulations, and the impact of technology on human identity and purpose. The discussion touched on topics ranging from volunteerism and civic engagement to mental health challenges, suicide rates, and the future of aging in society, with participants expressing concerns about dependency on government systems and the need for individuals to regain control over their lives and communities. The Public Good | and the Freedom We Surrender | KEI Network |
The Public Good | and the Freedom We Surrender | KEI Network |
The KEI Network podcast focused on the tension between public and private interests, with Perry sharing personal experiences of how bureaucratic constraints are limiting creative expression and personal sovereignty. Perry discussed three specific instances where his private initiatives were blocked by public regulations, including a proposed statue of St. Albert, a community garden, and a book launch that was rejected due to AI usage. The conversation evolved into broader discussions about AI regulation, banking system failures, and the erosion of individual freedoms, with participants sharing concerns about mainstream media coverage and potential nuclear conflicts. The group explored how institutions are becoming more politicized and less responsive to opportunities for progress, while discussing the need for better balance between safety concerns and personal expression in both technology and governance.
Sovereignty Matters. But Safety Comes Firsst
This webinar focused on the "quiet reversal of 100 years of sameness" in how society approaches personalization versus standardization in public systems. Perry Kinkaide, moderator, discussed how for most of the last century, progress meant creating standardized public services that required individuals to sacrifice their personal interests for the common good, but now AI and LLMs have the potential to empower individuals through personalized customization rather than forcing them into categorical programs. The discussion explored both the benefits and risks of this shift, including how AI can help individuals do more themselves (from home renovations to business development) while also raising concerns about data collection, privacy loss, and the potential for institutions to use personalized knowledge for control rather than service. Participants shared personal experiences with DIY projects, the costs of book publishing, and examples of over-regulation, while expressing concerns about the balance between individual empowerment and societal fragmentation, with many agreeing that proper regulation and guardrails will be necessary to ensure AI serves rather than controls individuals.
Personalization: The Quiet Reversal of a Hundred Years of Sameness
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?"
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
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