Building Canada’s Future Starts With People

Steven Wang Updated: July 16, 2026

Every week, it seems there’s another headline about artificial intelligence.

Some focus on the technology itself. Others speculate about which jobs may disappear or how quickly industries will change.

Those conversations matter. But I think there’s another question that’s just as important.

How do we help more Canadians participate in that future?

At Venture for Canada, we’ve always believed that innovation is ultimately about people. Technology can open new possibilities, but it’s people who turn those possibilities into businesses, careers, and stronger communities.

That’s why many of the initiatives you’ll find in this month’s newsletter may seem different on the surface, yet they’re all connected by the same goal.

Our new AI policy brief explores how students and recent graduates can help small and medium-sized businesses adopt AI responsibly. It’s a practical idea that addresses two challenges at once: giving young Canadians meaningful experience while helping businesses build the capacity to innovate.

It’s also why we recently launched our AI Advisory Council. As AI becomes a larger part of how Canadians work, we need thoughtful conversations that bring together leaders from business, education, government, and entrepreneurship. Responsible adoption won’t happen by accident—it requires collaboration and shared learning.

The same philosophy is behind the Rawji Fellows Scholarship Fund. By expanding access to Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), we’re helping more Canadians see business ownership as an achievable path. As thousands of business owners prepare to retire over the coming decade, supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs has never been more important.

You’ll also see opportunities throughout this newsletter to get involved, whether that’s applying for our ETA Bootcamp, participating in our internship program, or exploring new ideas through Perspectives.

Each initiative addresses a different challenge. Together, they contribute to something much bigger.

Preparing Canada for the future of work isn’t just about helping people respond to change. It’s about giving them the confidence, skills, and opportunities to help shape it.

That future won’t be built by technology alone.

It will be built by students eager to learn, entrepreneurs willing to take risks, employers prepared to invest in talent, and communities committed to creating opportunities for the next generation.

That’s the work we’re proud to be part of, and we’re grateful to everyone who continues to build alongside us.

Thank you for being part of the Venture for Canada community.

Steven Wang
CEO, Venture for Canada