Announcing the Canadian Brain Economy Initiative

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) is pleased to announce the launch of the new Canadian Brain Economy Initiative, in collaboration with the Ontario Brain Institute.

The initiative brings together individuals, organizations, communities, and governments from across all sectors of society to create value and impact for people living in Canada by strengthening brain health and brain skills across the lifespan. 

Canada’s greatest asset is the potential of its people. Brain health includes our cognitive, emotional, social and neurological well-being, while brain skills involve our knowledge, creativity, leadership and adaptability. Together they form our brain capital, which allows us to learn, innovate, lead, engage others, solve problems and create. Put simply, when we are well and have the skills to navigate life’s complexities, we can adapt, flourish and thrive.  

The brain economy recognizes how systems, investments, policies and institutions that develop, measure and scale brain capital are essential. The brain economy goes beyond health care and education, covering all sectors from workplaces to communities.

Canada is in a period of heightened uncertainty, with key forces pressuring and shaping the future. From economic restructuring due to geopolitical tensions and technological change, to socio-economic pressures like affordability and the strain on public systems, the landscape is rapidly changing. As a result, many people of all ages are struggling to flourish as multiple measures of mental health, well-being and cognitive performance reveal deterioration.

The initiative will address these issues by focusing on three key areas: 

• Human flourishing — where people have the health, connection, agency and capabilities to learn, participate in their workplaces and communities, thrive and fulfill their potential.
• Economic prosperity — where organizations and communities have the brain capital to be productive, innovative and competitive, expanding social and economic opportunities for all. 
• National resilience — where Canada has the human capacity to absorb shocks, adapt to disruption, maintain social cohesion and protect its ability to determine its own future.

Visit BrainEconomy.ca to learn more, read the white paper and find out how you can get involved.