AI & Us: Navigating Connection in the Age of AI

AI is changing how we work, communicate, create — and even how we relate to one another.

But what does that mean for human connection?

In this thought-provoking panel discussion, we bring together voices with varying perspectives to explore the evolving relationship between people and AI. From those who embrace AI as a powerful collaborator to those who question its social and ethical impact, this conversation is designed to surface nuance — not consensus.

Together, we’ll explore questions like:

• Does AI enhance or erode human connection?
• How is AI shaping communication, creativity, and trust?
• Where should we draw boundaries — if at all?
• What does meaningful interaction look like in an AI-powered world?

Whether you’re an enthusiastic adopter, cautiously experimenting, or deeply skeptical, this session creates space for thoughtful dialogue across perspectives.

Expect a dynamic discussion, diverse viewpoints, and an opportunity to reflect on how you personally engage — or choose not to engage — with AI.

This isn’t a technical session. It’s a human one.

—–

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Sean Boots | Open government program manager, Yukon Government

Sean Boots is a technology professional and researcher who focuses on public sector capacity and empowering public servants.

Beginning in 2016, Sean was part of the founding team at the Canadian Digital Service (CDS), a new digital service delivery initiative within the federal government. He played a core role in building the culture of CDS, equipping colleagues with modern equipment and software, and launching and scaling services including GC Notify and COVID Alert. Sean currently works for the Government of Yukon’s eServices team as the open government program manager.

In 2022, he was a Public Servant-in-Residence at Carleton University, researching government IT contracting practices with Prof. Amanda Clarke. Sean studied Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa and previously worked as a software developer and product designer. He lives in Whitehorse, Yukon, and writes about government technology efforts at sboots.ca.

Katrina Ingram | CEO, Ethically Aligned AI
Katrina Ingram is the Founder and CEO of Ethically Aligned AI, a company focused on helping organizations to drive better outcomes in the design, development and deployment of AI systems. A seasoned executive, Katrina has over two decades of experience running both not-for-profit and corporate organizations in the technology and media sectors as well as experience in the public sector. She is a member of DAMA and volunteers with several AI ethics organizations. She was named to the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics list. Katrina holds an undergrad in business administration from Simon Fraser University, a master of arts in communications and technology from the University of Alberta and is an IAPP certified information privacy professional (CIPP/C). She combines her love of audio and interest in AI as the host of the podcast, AI4Society Dialogues. Katrina developed Canada’s first micro-credential in AI Ethics in partnership with Athabasca University. She is a member of the Calgary Police Services Technology Ethics Committee and recently served as the City of Edmonton’s Data Ethics Advisor.

Eugen Chen | Co-founder & Board Member, Canadian Open Data Society

With more than a decade of experience in developing data visualizations that have been referenced in media outlets like the New York Times, CBC, and NPR, Eugene has most recently been working with the World Bank, Imagine Canada, and Code for Canada on visualizations and other technical projects. After completing his MSc in Computer Science in 2023 with a published thesis on AI in games, Eugene actively utilizes AI through his work, keeping up with practical AI applications while teaching sessions and running workshops on AI and data visualization across Canada. He also built a collaborative generative AI platform that uses different AI models in 2024.

A co-founder and current board member of the Canadian Open Data Society, Eugene also volunteers as a member of Canada’s Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Open Government.

Some examples of his work include This is YEG, The Opportunity Atlas, and recently used AI to create much of the Canadian Open Data Directory.

Paul Kishchuk | Owner, Vector Research

Paul Kishchuk, owner of Vector Research, is a public finance economist with 30 years of applied Yukon research experience. Paul delights in at finding data “where there is no data” and then visualizing the insights. A founding member of TechYukon in 2009, Paul has been supporting TechYukon to improve data literacy in the Yukon since 2017. Previous workshops created for Tech Yukon include “Open Data Analytics with Tableau” and “Data Literacy 101: One Screen of Data”.