Michael Cooper
Michael Cooper is Vice-President of Data and Partnerships at Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC), where he leads work using large-scale population data to better understand mental health trends across Canada. With more than 16 years of experience in the charitable sector, government relations, partnerships, and project leadership, Michael is passionate about translating research and data into meaningful policy and practice.
At MHRC, Michael oversees national data initiatives tracking the mental health of Canadians and works with partners to better understand emerging issues affecting mental health and well-being. His recent work has explored the intersection of technology, screen use, artificial intelligence, and mental health, with a particular interest in what these rapidly evolving trends mean for young people. Michael is a strong advocate for using timely, high-quality evidence to inform policy, strengthen mental health systems, and improve the lives of Canadians.
First Day Oct 28
Pre-Conference Wellbeing & Flourishing Symposium
1:00–2:00 PM | Keynote: The State of Youth Mental Health in Canada: Navigating an AI-Enabled World (Speaker: Michael Cooper, Mental Health Research Canada)
- Michael will explore the current state of youth mental health and well-being in Canada, sharing new research on how AI is impacting youth well-being.
2:00–2:10 PM | Break
2:10–3:00 PM | System-Wide Universal Mental Health in the Age of AI: Building Human Skills Through SEL (Speakers: Former Superintendent Deb Crawford & Christine Preece)
- Designed for school and system leaders, this session explores how universal mental health promotion through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) can strengthen the human skills students need to thrive. Participants will discuss how a system-wide approach fosters belonging, empathy, resilience, and critical thinking.
3:00–3:10 PM | Break
3:10–4:00 PM | Leading Healthy Systems: Psychological Safety, Well-Being, and Belonging (Speaker: Dr. Gail Markin, Workplce Wellbeing Speciaist and Authout of Beyond Self-Care)
- Gail will shift the focus to the adults and systems supporting young people. She will explore how leaders can intentionally create safe, healthy workplaces where staff feel valued and connected, offering practical leadership practices to strengthen trust and relationally healthy school systems.