Opinion: A Once-in-a-generation Opportunity Could Also Be Our Biggest Blind Spot
The following article first appeared on December 11, 2025, in the Hamilton Spectator. Canada stands at the center of not one, but three once-in-a-generation transformations. First, the 2025 Federal Budget promises the largest nation-building investments in decades — new housing, trade corridors, clean power, and municipal infrastructure built at a speed and scale. Second, the […]
Opinion: Skills Must Be Canada’s National Project
The following article first appeared on October 16, 2025, in The Hill Times. The Carney government is properly seized with the rapid delivery of national projects, all to secure Canada’s economic sovereignty as our US trade relationship totters. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Carney announced the first projects to be reviewed under the new Major […]
America First Puts Cybersecurity Last. In this New World, Canada Must Evolve.
The following article first appeared in Innovating Canada on October 01, 2025. Ulrike Bahr-GedaliaSenior Director of Digital Economy, Technology, and Innovation, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Charles FinlayFounding Executive Director, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, Toronto Metropolitan University Every year, cybercriminals expand their reach and increase their global impact. Hundreds of billions of dollars vanish through ransom and theft […]
Opinion | In a new era of cyber risk, Canada must lead the charge
This op-ed first ran in the Toronto Star on June 22, 2025. As global tensions rise and the trade war continues, countries are bracing for conflict amid growing cyberthreats, all while the U.S. weakens its own cyber defences by dismantling federal initiatives. Making matters worse, generative AI is increasing both the scale and complexity of […]
Double-edged sword of AI adoption
Municipalities are under growing pressure to adopt new technologies, including AI, at an unprecedented pace. Factors such as rising expectations for digital services, ongoing talent shortages, and rapid technological advancements are driving this accelerated shift.The truth is, there are many benefits to adopting AI or AI-enabled systems. These include supporting decision-making, improving workflows, creating efficiencies, […]
In the Liberal leadership race, the cybersecurity risks are massive
The following first appeared in the Globe and Mail on January 28, 2025. If you set out to intentionally design a perfect target for a cyberattack, you couldn’t do much better than the Liberal Party of Canada’s leadership contest now underway. Foreign adversaries like Russia and China are well incentivized to try: The political impact of a well-organized ransomware attack […]
Purse & Mathieson: Canadian cities are only one cyberattack away from catastrophe
The following first appeared in the Ottawa Citizen on January 20, 2025. It’s not about if but when a cyberattack will occur. Provincial and federal governments must create a strong municipal cybersecurity action plan to protect critical infrastructure. Cyberattacks against Canadian municipalities are increasing and directly affecting the lives of millions of Canadians. While federal and […]
AI may be a powerful tool, but it’s no substitute for cyber experts
The following first appeared in The Toronto Star on September 14, 2024. This is the year for artificial intelligence (AI) integration — it’s now embedded in nearly everything we do. AI systems increasingly control our environment through IoT devices and beyond. IoT devices connect our physical environments to the digital world, and more than 15 […]
What Scarlett Johansson can teach us about taking on AI
Social media platforms facilitate the spread of fake content online. The proposed Online Harms Act lays out new responsibilities for these platforms to mitigate the spread of illegal content from hate speech to incitement of violence or terrorism, to intimate image abuse, child cyberbullying and inducing self-harm.
Elevating Women in Leadership: An Allyship Guide for Men
True allyship is not passive support. It involves actively promoting and amplifying the voices and ideas of women and intentionally supporting their career growth and development. This can include mentorship and sponsorship, but it’s also about purposefully creating opportunities for women to have the spotlight to showcase their skills and expertise.