The Spring Economic Update

Season 4 Episode 10  The Human Cost of AI: Work, Wellbeing and Connection AI has quickly become a part of everyday life. It’s changing how we work, find information, and solve problems. For many people, it’s also become a place to turn to for advice and support. In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we look at what that means for our mental health, from chatbot companionship and youth wellbeing to cognitive burnout, as well as the risks of relying too heavily on AI for thinking and creativity. We also ask whether these tools are making work easier or just raising expectations for how much gets done, and what nonprofit leaders can do to use AI without losing the judgment, care, and human connection their work depends on. Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance ·         Alexandra Samuel, AI and Digital Workplace Expert, Alexandra Samuel·         Jason Shim, Chief Digital Officer, Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience·         Dr. Olga Morawczynski, Founder and CEO, Heal-3·         Michael Cooper, Vice President of Data and Partnerships, Mental Health Research Canada·         Rebecca Shields, President and CEO, Kids Help Phone·         Betty Zhang, Head of Innovations and Operations, Kids Help Phone·         Meena Das, Founder and CEO, Namaste Data·         Donna Marshall, Co-Founder and CEO, Workright Ltd. About your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads. Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:·         Me + Viv (Alexandra Samuel)·         Thrive (Heal-3 / Olga Morawczynski)·         AI Equity Project (Namaste Data / Meena Das)·         Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task (MIT Media Lab, 2025)·         AI Readiness: Building Resilience in a Changing Workplace (CharityVillage / WorkRight, 2026)·         Leading Change Through AI: The HR and Leadership Playbook (CharityVillage / WorkRight, 2026)·         The State of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Canadian Nonprofits (Imagine Canada / Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience, 2026)·         7 Tenets of Human-Centric AI (Meena Das, 2022)Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.#podcast #charity

In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we explore Canada’s growing volunteer challenge and what it will take to rebuild a stronger culture of giving time and contributing to community. With demand for charitable services rising while organizations struggle to recruit, retain, and support the volunteers they depend on, how can the sector adapt to changing expectations around volunteering? Join us as sector leaders discuss how organizations can rethink the way they engage volunteers and why a strong culture of volunteerism may be essential to Canada’s social and economic resilience.Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance·         Dr. Tara McWhinney, Postdoctoral Fellow, Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP), Carleton University·         Sara Lyons, Chief Strategy and Programs Officer, Volunteer Canada·         Alyssa Brierley, Executive Director, National Institute on Ageing·         Olga Stachova, CEO, MOSAIC·         Adam Janes, CVA, President, Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada (VMPC)·         Michael Burns, Chair, Engage Canada About your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:·         Volunteering and charitable giving in Canada, from 2018 to 2023 (Statistics Canada)·         New Results from Statistics Canada’s Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating – Volunteer Vibe | Parlons Bénévolat (Volunteer Canada)·         CICP 2026 Survey on Volunteer Workforce Trends & Challenges·         CICP 2025 Survey on Volunteer Recruitment and Retention·         CICP 2024 Survey on Volunteer Recruitment Post COVID·         CICP 2023 Survey on Volunteer Recruitment·         National Action Strategy on Volunteering (Volunteer Canada)·         2025 Ageing in Canada Survey (National Institute on Ageing)·         Young Volunteers, Big Opportunity: What the 2023 Data Tells Us About Youth and Volunteering (Canadian Knowledge Hub for Giving and Volunteering, 2026)·         National Profile for the Volunteer Engagement Profession (VMPC, 2026)·         Announcing the relaunch and expansion of Volunteer Success (2026)Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.#podcast #charity

In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we take a close look at a crisis in Canadian volunteerism, where a sharp decline in both participation rates and total hours has left the already depleted nonprofit sector struggling.At a time when Canada needs strong communities more than ever, the people and organizations that hold many of those communities together are under growing strain. With a trade war with the United States threatening our economy, challenges to our sovereignty, a rising cost of living, a growing demand for charitable services and an urgent need to strengthen unity at home, nonprofits are being asked to do more—while struggling to recruit and retain the volunteers they depend on to deliver on their missions. But this is about more than a shortage of volunteers. In this episode, we speak with leading experts about the demographic, economic and social forces reshaping volunteerism in Canada—and why rebuilding our volunteer capacity matters to the country's social and economic resilience. We explore how nonprofits can better engage younger Canadians, newcomers and older adults, what needs to change in the way organizations recruit and support volunteers, and whether Canada needs to think much bigger about how we invest in service and civic participation.#podcast #charity

In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we examine what Canada’s 2026 Spring Economic Update means for the nonprofit and charitable sector. Where do the federal government’s priorities lie? Where does the care economy fit within Canada’s future? Sector experts explore the opportunities and challenges ahead, including potential impacts on funding, regulation, service delivery, and community wellbeing. Tune in to The Spring Economic Update: Where Does the Nonprofit Sector Fit in Canada’s Future? Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance Nicole D'Aoust, Charity and Non-Profit Lawyer, Partner, McCarthy TétraultTyler Meredith, Founding Partner, Meredith Boessenkool & Phillips Policy AdvisorsArmine Yalnizyan, Economist and Atkinson Fellow on the Future of Workers, Atkinson FoundationDr. Susan Phillips, Professor Emerita, Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, School of Public Policy and Administration, Carleton UniversityAbout your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:Spring Economic Update 2026: Canada Strong For All (Government of Canada, 2026)Registered Charity Information Return T3010 (Canada Revenue Agency)Charity Insights Canada Project (Carleton University)Million-Dollar Murray (The New Yorker, 2006)Dunn House Social Medicine Housing Model (University Health Network, 2026)Charities and Giving: Guidance CG-032 – Registered charities making grants to non-qualified donees (Canada Revenue Agency, 2023)Disbursement Quota Calculation (Canada Revenue Agency)Canada Strong Fund (Government of Canada, 2026)Build Canada Homes (Government of Canada, 2026)Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.#podcast #charity

On the next episode of Charity Village connects.Where do the federal government’s priorities lie? Where does the care economy fit within Canada’s future? Sector experts explore the opportunities and challenges ahead, including potential impacts on funding, regulation, service delivery, and community wellbeing. Tune in to The Spring Economic Update: Where Does the Nonprofit Sector Fit in Canada’s Future? #podcast #charity

In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we explore the changing landscape of Canadian philanthropy and the new fundraising trends that are shaping the future of the sector. Drawing on insights from the 2026 Giving Report, we look at how donor behaviour, technology, AI, legacy giving, and collaboration are reshaping the way nonprofits fund their work. What does it take to build stronger donor relationships, reimagine giving, and create resilience in such a volatile environment? Join us as we dig into the data, unpack the opportunities, and explore what charities and nonprofits can do now to prepare for the years ahead.Meet Our Guests in Order of AppearanceJulie Fiorini, General Manager, Donor Services & Brand Marketing, CanadaHelpsWen-Chih O’Connell, Executive Director, PayPal Giving Fund CanadaAllen Davidov - Senior Vice President and Practice Leader, EnvironicsAnalyticsKelly Cole, President & CEO, Sunnybrook Hospital FoundationAlain Mootoo, Chief Operating Officer, CAMH FoundationDeepa Chaudhary, CEO, GrantOrb.comAbout your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:The Giving Report 2026 (CanadaHelps, 2026)The Future of Giving: Looking Beyond the Selfie – Unveiling Philanthropic Trends Among Canada’s Generation Z and Millennial Donors (PayPal Giving Fund Canada and AgentsC, 2023)Increase Your Fundraising with Securities Donations (CanadaHelps, 2026)Donor Activation Toolkit (Environics Analytics, 2026)PRIZM Segment Explorer (Environics Analytics)GrantOrb.comLearn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.

Drawing on insights from the 2026 Giving Report, we look at how donor behaviour, technology, AI, legacy giving, and collaboration are reshaping the way nonprofits fund their work. What does it take to build stronger donor relationships, reimagine giving, and create resilience in such a volatile environment?#podcast #charity

In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we explore what responsible AI adoption looks like for nonprofits. AI is reshaping nonprofit work, from fundraising to communications and everything in between. This shift raises urgent questions surrounding privacy, trust, equity, wellbeing, accountability, and mission alignment. Join us as sector experts provide practical advice on setting guardrails, building internal capacity, using AI thoughtfully, and keeping human judgment at the center of mission-driven work.Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance Alexandra Samuel, AI & Digital Workplace ExpertAlain Mootoo, Chief Operating Officer, CAMH FoundationTina Crouse, AI Ethics & Strategy SpecialistDianne Clark, Founder and CEO of Trendspire and ProEdventures AcademyDeepa Chaudhary, CEO, Grantorb.comAbout your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:Assess Your AI Maturity (Info-Tech Research Group, 2023)Transform (Flourishing Systems / IslamicFamily, 2025)Grant Orb (Grant Orb, 2025)Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.This episode of CharityVillage Connects is brought to you by the WUSC. For more than 50 years, WUSC has been working alongside communities around the world to catalyze positive education and economic outcomes for young people. Now, Canadians have the chance to join us by volunteering internationally. As a WUSC volunteer, you’ll collaborate with local organizations, share your experience, and help co-create initiatives that expand opportunities for young people. For more information about how you can use your expertise to improve economic opportunities for young people, visit volunteer.wusc.ca.#podcast #charity

What does responsible AI adoption look like for nonprofits? AI is reshaping nonprofit work, from fundraising to communications andeverything in between. Sector experts will provide practical advice on setting guardrails, building internal capacity, using AI thoughtfully, and keeping human judgment at the center of mission-driven work.#podcast #AI

Did you know Canada's lobbying guidelines changed earlier this year? In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we break down what’s new, what it means for organizations engaging with government officials, and how to stay compliant while advocating effectively. Hear insights from the Lobbying Commissioner, legal and advocacy experts, and sector leaders.Meet Our Guests in Order of AppearanceNancy Bélanger, Canada’s Commissioner of LobbyingSean Moore, Founder and Principal, Advocacy SchoolGerald Chipeur, Partner, Miller ThomsonBarbara Cartwright, CEO, Humane CanadaTim Richter, President & CEO, Canadian Alliance to End HomelessnessJackie Neapole – Executive Director, Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement ofWomen/ l’Institut canadien de recherches sur les femmes (CRIAW-ICREF)About your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:Lobbying Act (Government of Canada)Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada – Significant part of duties registration threshold for organizations and corporationsOffice of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada – Lobbyists RegistryVavilov Decision – Supreme Court of Canada (Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration)v. Vavilov, 2019 SCC 65)A Canada Housing Accord: Bringing governments together to fix housing and homelessness (Jan 2026)Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.#podcast #charity