Speakers

Mary Ann is known as the “godmother of psychological health and safety.” She helps employers, governments, unions, teams, and associations to resolve issues related to mental health, psychological safety, conflict, and performance. She has served as co-chair of the Technical Committee for the Canadian Standard on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, a member of the Mental Health Commission’s Workforce Advisory Committee, a member of the Employment Standards Committee, and is a director at Workplace Strategies for Mental Health.

Alan is a multifaceted singer, songwriter, actor, author and storyteller, best known as a founding member of the iconic Canadian folk-rock band, Great Big Sea. Since forming in 1993, the band’s music has sold over one million copies in Canada. In addition to his solo albums, Alan is a four-time published author and a film and television actor-producer with multiple major credits. In recognition of his contributions to the musical traditions of his home province and commitment to local charitable initiatives, he is a member of the Order of Canada, a member of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Arif is associate scientific director and scientist at the Institute for Work & Health and associate professor at University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health. He researches how the future of work, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), affects worker health, safety, and well-being. Arif’s research draws from strategic foresight methods to examine signals of change to the nature of work. He directs the federally funded Partnership on AI and the Quality of Work (PAIQ) in collaboration with a national team of researchers and stakeholders.

Janet leads national efforts to advance excellence in workers’ compensation through collaboration, data stewardship, and knowledge exchange among Canada’s provincial and territorial boards and commissions. With over three decades of leadership experience in the public sector, including over 20 years in the workers’ compensation realm, Janet brings a deep commitment to service, innovation, and building strong interjurisdictional partnerships. Janet holds a master’s degree in leadership and is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal.