MHRC’s webcast series exploring data, ideas and expert perspectives shaping mental health in Canada
Every 3-4 weeks
Recordings available
AI and mental health
What does the gap between AI use and trust mean for mental health care?
AI-enabled tools are already becoming part of how people in Canada seek mental health support. One in seven people used them in the past year, yet only 14% trust them to provide helpful and safe mental health support. We’ll look at what is driving their use, why trust remains so low and what safer, more responsible use could look like as AI becomes a growing part of mental health care. This English-language webcast features perspectives from research, system leadership and provider practice to explore what the newest research shows.
UPCOMING EPISODE
DATE
September 9, 2026
TIME
1:00 p.m. ET
FORMAT
Online via Zoom
LANGUAGE
English only
FEATURED EXPERTS
MICHAEL COOPER
MHRC
MAUREEN ABBOTT
Mental Health Commission
MORE GUESTS TO COME!
Why watch?
Evidence can be complex. We break it down clearly so you can understand what the evidence shows and why it matters.
What to expect
New episodes every 3-4 weeks. Each features a focused discussion with MHRC voices and invited mental health experts.
Past recordings
Can’t join live? No problem! Recordings of every episode are available on this page after the broadcast, ready when you are.
Stay informed
Subscribe to our e-newsletter for updates on upcoming editions and other MHRC initiatives.
PREVIOUS WEBCASTS AND WEBINARS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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The Better Mental Health Briefing is MHRC’s webcast series that puts mental health research into context. Each edition brings together researchers, experts and other informed voices to examine what the evidence tells us, what it may mean and how it could support better decisions for people in Canada. From time to time, the series may also feature initiatives, such as MHRC’s studentships, that help support and expand mental health research.
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Research has greater value when people can understand it, discuss it and use it. The series takes findings beyond the written report by adding context, exploring their practical implications and connecting researchers with professionals, organizations, decision makers and the wider public. These conversations help people understand why the findings matter and how they might inform decisions, services and future research.
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The series is intended for anyone interested in mental health research and its real-world implications. This includes researchers, service providers, community organizations, policymakers, funders, people with lived experience and members of the public. Discussions are designed to make complex evidence understandable without requiring viewers to have a professional or academic background.
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We select topics based on the strength and relevance of the available evidence, their importance to people in Canada and their potential to support informed discussion or action. We also look for subjects that benefit from multiple perspectives and more context than a report or individual statistic can provide. Occasionally, a webcast may include discussion of a program or initiative, such as MHRC’s studentships, that supports the growth of mental health research.
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Each edition uses a focused, broadcast-style format to make complex evidence clear and engaging. Depending on the subject, a webcast may include roundtable discussions, focused interviews, data visualizations and audience questions. Guests are encouraged to explain findings in plain language without oversimplifying them or claiming more than the evidence supports. Bringing different perspectives together can help connect research with decisions, services and lived experience.
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Upcoming webcasts and registration information will be posted on this page. Information about the language, format and featured guests will be included with each listing. You can also subscribe to MHRC’s email updates to hear about future editions.
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Recordings are typically posted on the MHRC website within 24 hours of the original broadcast. Registrants will also receive a link by email once the recording is available. Related reports and resources will be included whenever possible, allowing viewers to explore the evidence in greater detail.
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MHRC welcomes conversations with organizations interested in supporting the series. Sponsorship opportunities are considered based on alignment with MHRC’s mandate, values and commitment to credible mental health research. Sponsorship can help extend the reach of the series and make research-informed conversations available to broader audiences. MHRC retains editorial oversight of each webcast and works with sponsors to establish appropriate recognition and involvement. To discuss a potential sponsorship, contact us at info@mhrc.ca.
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Guest suggestions are welcome. Please email info@mhrc.ca with the person’s name, title, organization, area of expertise and a brief explanation of the perspective they could contribute. Suggestions are considered based on their relevance to an upcoming discussion, subject-matter expertise and the range of perspectives needed for that webcast. We also consider a proposed guest’s ability to explain complex ideas clearly to a broad audience. A submission does not guarantee an invitation.
HOST AND MODERATOR
Andrew Ross
Director of National Communications
As host and moderator, Andrew draws on early experience as a chase producer at CBC News and reporter for several college newspapers, which has contributed to a highly successful career as a public relations storyteller. As an expert in media relations, he brings journalistic curiosity and a clear, conversational approach to discussions about the complexities of mental health research in Canada.