GEO Nova Scotia Insight Forum: Inclusion & Beyond

You’re invited!

Join GEO Nova Scotia for our upcoming 90-minute virtual Insight Forum:
Inclusion and Beyond: How a Clear Digital Strategy Benefits Everyone

Date: Wednesday, May 20
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ADT ( 5:00 – 6:30 PM BST)
Location: Virtual (link to be shared upon registration)

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Global Perspectives, Local Impact

Meet our speakers.

Christine Laing

Head of Digital Inclusion Policy and Programme

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK Government

Christine Laing

Head of Digital Inclusion Policy and Programme

Christine is currently the Head of Digital Inclusion Policy and Programme at the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Christine has worked at the forefront of technology and policy for the last ten years, ensuring everyone benefits from digital technologies and AI. Prior to working in UK Government, Christine worked as a technology consultant, for the Australian Commonwealth Government and in the charity sector.

Ed Leighton

Director, Strategy

The Connection Project (UK)

Ed Leighton

Director, Strategy

Ed has joined the Connection Project as the Director, Strategy, from the UK communications regulator Ofcom, where he was Acting Group Director for Strategy and Research, following 5 years as Strategy Director. Ed has led Ofcom’s policy work on TV distribution, media literacy, digital transitions, and previously their fibre broadband strategy. The Connection Project is a cross-sector initiative bringing together organizations from finance, telecommunications, media and civil society to explore the future of digital participation in the UK.

Hon. Jill Balser

Minister

NS Department of Cyber Security & Digital Solutions

Hon. Jill Balser

Minister

The Honourable Jill Balser was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly as MLA for Digby-Annapolis in 2021. <br>Prior to being MLA, Jill was the project lead for the Inspiring Communities initiative for Turning the Tide, a non-profit organization in Digby. She also spent four years as the YREACH Immigrant Settlement Staff Member at the Fundy YMCA from 2014-2018. <br>Because of her love and commitment to community development, Jill became the first female MLA for Digby-Annapolis, after winning the riding during the 41st Provincial General Election. In 2024, Jill won a second term at being MLA. Formerly the Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, she now serves as the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Minister of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions.

Matt Spurway

Chief Development Officer & Founder

GEO Nova Scotia

Matt Spurway

Chief Development Officer & Founder

After officially founding GEO Nova Scotia in 2022 as Executive Director, Matt has recently stepped into a new role as Chief Development Officer, where he continues to help drive the organization’s growth and long-term impact. Bringing different perspectives and experiences together to tackle complex social challenges is Matt’s passion, with prior Collective Impact experience in areas such as Affordable Housing, Education, Access to Healthcare, and Food Security.  Matt loves leading a diverse and talented team that is growing GEO Nova Scotia into a major force for digital inclusion across the province. He also sits on the Boards of the Public Good Society of Dartmouth, and the Farrell Benevolent Society.

Learning from Global Leaders in Digital Inclusion

This conversation comes at an important time.

Ed Leighton will share insights from their newly released report, Misconnected: How the UK Can Choose a Better Digital Future, which looks at why so many people are still being left behind as more of life moves online—and what needs to change to fix it.

The report makes one thing clear: a strong digital future only works when everyone can take part. When people face barriers like unreliable internet, lack of devices, affordability challenges, or limited digital skills, it affects more than just individuals—it impacts communities, public services, and economic growth.

We’ll also hear from Christine Laing with the UK Government’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, about theirDigital Inclusion Action Plan, which focuses on making digital access a national priority through stronger partnerships, better support systems, and practical solutions that help people get online and stay connected.

For Nova Scotia, these lessons are especially relevant.

As we work toward universal digital inclusion, the work happening in the UK offers valuable ideas for how we can strengthen our own approach here at home. Digital inclusion is not just a social priority—it’s also an economic one. Research suggests that if everyone in Nova Scotia could fully participate in the digital world, it could contribute an estimated $500–$800 million annually to the economy through stronger productivity, better employment opportunities, and more efficient public services.

Min. Jill Balser will help bring that conversation back to Nova Scotia, sharing how the province is approaching digital inclusion and what it takes to ensure no one is left behind as more services and opportunities move online.

Matt Spurway will add the community perspective, speaking to the real impact of digital exclusion across the province and how collaboration across sectors can help turn these ideas into meaningful action here in Nova Scotia.

The panel will be moderated by GEO Nova Scotia’s Eilish Bonang-Smith, guiding a thoughtful and forward-looking conversation on what it takes to create a digital future that works for everyone.

We hope you’ll join us as we explore ideas, share perspectives, and shape what comes next for digital inclusion in Nova Scotia.

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