Leading the Future of Animal Welfare: The HBSPCA at the Humane Canada Summit 2026

This April, the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA will join leaders from across the country at the Humane Canada Summit for Animals in Whistler, BC— a national gathering focused on advancing the future of animal welfare.

A Leadership Conversation on AI in Animal Welfare

We are proud to contribute to this important conversation through a featured session in the Leadership Track on April 19.

Presented by Andrea Matecki, CPA, CA, Director of Finance & Administration at the HBSPCA, alongside Kristen Hassen, CEO of Outcomes Consulting and a recognized leader in AI for animal welfare, this session will explore one of the most significant shifts facing our sector today: the integration of artificial intelligence.

Why the Time Is Now

The time is now.

AI represents a transformational moment for animal welfare —one comparable to the introduction of computers, the internet, and other defining innovations that have reshaped how we work. As organizations navigate increasing demand, limited resources, and evolving community needs, the ability to thoughtfully adopt new tools is no longer optional — it is essential.

From Theory to Practice

This session is designed to move beyond theory and into practice.

Participants will explore how to build a responsible and ethical foundation for AI adoption, including how to evaluate AI-generated content and ensure decisions remain grounded in equity, transparency, and mission alignment. The discussion will also highlight practical applications —from streamlining operations to strengthening donor engagement — demonstrating how AI can increase capacity while preserving the human connection that defines our work.

Leading Change with Confidence

Integrating AI is not simply a technical shift — it is an organizational one. Leaders must foster cultures of curiosity, empower teams to engage with new tools confidently, and ensure innovation enhances, rather than replaces, the compassion at the core of animal welfare.

Join the Conversation

At the HBSPCA, we believe that embracing innovation responsibly is critical to building a more resilient, effective, and forward-thinking sector. We are honoured to share our perspective alongside peers who are shaping what comes next.

With the Summit nearly sold out, we encourage those attending to join us for this timely and important conversation.

Learn more about the Humane Canada Summit for Animals:
https://reg.eventmobi.com/summitforanimals

We also welcome the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees throughout the conference. If you will be in Whistler, we invite you to engage with our team, share perspectives, and continue the conversation on how innovation can strengthen animal welfare across our communities.

You can also connect with us on LinkedIn to stay engaged beyond the Summit.