Matt Parreira
@mattparreira.bsky.social
Partnerships & Public Good 🍁
Recovering Hotelier ➡️ EdTech ➡️ Social Impact. Fixing the gap between policy and people 🌶️ Hot Sauce Connoisseur.
Currently exploring: Social Enterprise & GovTech.
Recovering Hotelier ➡️ EdTech ➡️ Social Impact. Fixing the gap between policy and people 🌶️ Hot Sauce Connoisseur.
Currently exploring: Social Enterprise & GovTech.
We talk a lot about 'skills gaps' in Higher Ed, but I’m seeing the exact same disconnect in the non-profit and private sectors.
The issue isn’t a lack of talent; it’s a lack of translation between sectors.
We need fewer 'summits' and more actual cross-sector mentorship. #FutureOfWork
The issue isn’t a lack of talent; it’s a lack of translation between sectors.
We need fewer 'summits' and more actual cross-sector mentorship. #FutureOfWork
December 2, 2025 at 2:11 PM
We talk a lot about 'skills gaps' in Higher Ed, but I’m seeing the exact same disconnect in the non-profit and private sectors.
The issue isn’t a lack of talent; it’s a lack of translation between sectors.
We need fewer 'summits' and more actual cross-sector mentorship. #FutureOfWork
The issue isn’t a lack of talent; it’s a lack of translation between sectors.
We need fewer 'summits' and more actual cross-sector mentorship. #FutureOfWork
Jennifer Welch nails it: "Unrestrained, unregulated capitalism" is the disease, you are mad at the wrong people.
Taxing billionaires and allocating properly wouldn't change their lives one bit, but it would fundamentally save ours. A living wage is possible.
A fair society is possible.
Taxing billionaires and allocating properly wouldn't change their lives one bit, but it would fundamentally save ours. A living wage is possible.
A fair society is possible.
November 28, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Jennifer Welch nails it: "Unrestrained, unregulated capitalism" is the disease, you are mad at the wrong people.
Taxing billionaires and allocating properly wouldn't change their lives one bit, but it would fundamentally save ours. A living wage is possible.
A fair society is possible.
Taxing billionaires and allocating properly wouldn't change their lives one bit, but it would fundamentally save ours. A living wage is possible.
A fair society is possible.
This CBC report is a wake-up call. Fascist 'fight clubs' are here, in Ontario, organizing.
When a group is giving Nazi salutes and on tape threatening to 'f--k these people to death,' we have to believe them. This trend is a clear and present danger to our democracy and our families.
When a group is giving Nazi salutes and on tape threatening to 'f--k these people to death,' we have to believe them. This trend is a clear and present danger to our democracy and our families.
October 24, 2025 at 4:28 PM
This CBC report is a wake-up call. Fascist 'fight clubs' are here, in Ontario, organizing.
When a group is giving Nazi salutes and on tape threatening to 'f--k these people to death,' we have to believe them. This trend is a clear and present danger to our democracy and our families.
When a group is giving Nazi salutes and on tape threatening to 'f--k these people to death,' we have to believe them. This trend is a clear and present danger to our democracy and our families.
Driving up the cost of the average Canadian house to something like $800,000 at peak, the average one bedroom apartment in a city like Halifax to $2000/month, doesn't make people want to have kids.
Kids cost a lot of money.
Thanks CTV for trying to socialize 3% YoY population growth.
Kids cost a lot of money.
Thanks CTV for trying to socialize 3% YoY population growth.
Canada’s fertility rate has reached a new low
Canada's total fertility rate fell again last year, reaching a record low of 1.25 children per woman, following years of decline.
www.ctvnews.ca
September 29, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Driving up the cost of the average Canadian house to something like $800,000 at peak, the average one bedroom apartment in a city like Halifax to $2000/month, doesn't make people want to have kids.
Kids cost a lot of money.
Thanks CTV for trying to socialize 3% YoY population growth.
Kids cost a lot of money.
Thanks CTV for trying to socialize 3% YoY population growth.
Final thought for this calendar: progress doesn't always roar. Sometimes it's the quiet, persistent effort of many people working together that slowly and fundamentally changes everything for the better.
September 24, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Final thought for this calendar: progress doesn't always roar. Sometimes it's the quiet, persistent effort of many people working together that slowly and fundamentally changes everything for the better.
So much of my work in different sectors comes back to one simple principle: listen to the people closest to the problem. They almost always have the clearest insight into the solution. The challenge is creating systems that actually value and act on that expertise.
September 24, 2025 at 1:58 PM
So much of my work in different sectors comes back to one simple principle: listen to the people closest to the problem. They almost always have the clearest insight into the solution. The challenge is creating systems that actually value and act on that expertise.
Investing in high-quality public transit is one of the smartest things a city or province can do. It reduces congestion, lowers emissions, and makes our communities more accessible and livable for everyone.
September 23, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Investing in high-quality public transit is one of the smartest things a city or province can do. It reduces congestion, lowers emissions, and makes our communities more accessible and livable for everyone.
A thought on public transit: it's not just about moving people from A to B. It's a powerful tool for social equity, climate action, and economic opportunity. Reliable, affordable transit connects people to jobs, education, and healthcare.
September 23, 2025 at 1:03 PM
A thought on public transit: it's not just about moving people from A to B. It's a powerful tool for social equity, climate action, and economic opportunity. Reliable, affordable transit connects people to jobs, education, and healthcare.
For non-Indigenous Canadians, this means educating ourselves on the history of residential schools, amplifying Indigenous voices, and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives. It's about moving from passive acknowledgment to active allyship.
September 22, 2025 at 3:56 PM
For non-Indigenous Canadians, this means educating ourselves on the history of residential schools, amplifying Indigenous voices, and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives. It's about moving from passive acknowledgment to active allyship.
As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the end of the month, it's a time for reflection. Reconciliation is not a single event; it's an ongoing process of learning, listening, and taking meaningful action.
September 22, 2025 at 1:06 PM
As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the end of the month, it's a time for reflection. Reconciliation is not a single event; it's an ongoing process of learning, listening, and taking meaningful action.
Heading into the weekend thinking about the importance of kindness without boundaries. It's not true kindness; it's often self-abandonment. Protecting your own energy and well-being is not selfish; it's necessary.
September 19, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Heading into the weekend thinking about the importance of kindness without boundaries. It's not true kindness; it's often self-abandonment. Protecting your own energy and well-being is not selfish; it's necessary.
The use of the notwithstanding clause in Alberta should be a line in the sand for everyone.
Wielding such immense constitutional power to preemptively strip Charter rights from one of our most vulnerable minorities is a dangerous and cynical act.
Rights aren't a buffet you can pick from.
Wielding such immense constitutional power to preemptively strip Charter rights from one of our most vulnerable minorities is a dangerous and cynical act.
Rights aren't a buffet you can pick from.
Alberta to use notwithstanding clause on its three transgender laws: memo
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith plans to invoke the Charter’s notwithstanding clause this fall on three laws affecting transgender people.
www.ctvnews.ca
September 19, 2025 at 1:47 AM
The use of the notwithstanding clause in Alberta should be a line in the sand for everyone.
Wielding such immense constitutional power to preemptively strip Charter rights from one of our most vulnerable minorities is a dangerous and cynical act.
Rights aren't a buffet you can pick from.
Wielding such immense constitutional power to preemptively strip Charter rights from one of our most vulnerable minorities is a dangerous and cynical act.
Rights aren't a buffet you can pick from.
That quiet satisfaction of cancelling a subscription you forgot you even had. It feels like finding free money and decluttering your life all at once.
September 14, 2025 at 2:25 PM
That quiet satisfaction of cancelling a subscription you forgot you even had. It feels like finding free money and decluttering your life all at once.
I have reached the age where a "wild Friday night" means finding a new and exciting documentary to watch. No complaints here.
September 13, 2025 at 2:57 PM
I have reached the age where a "wild Friday night" means finding a new and exciting documentary to watch. No complaints here.
As we become more digitally connected, we must be intentional about investing in and protecting these physical hubs of social infrastructure. They are where the informal bonds of community are built.
September 12, 2025 at 8:18 PM
As we become more digitally connected, we must be intentional about investing in and protecting these physical hubs of social infrastructure. They are where the informal bonds of community are built.
One of the most vital, yet often overlooked, elements of a thriving community is the presence of "third places"—the parks, libraries, community centres, and cafes where people can connect. These spaces are essential for combating social isolation.
September 12, 2025 at 6:40 PM
One of the most vital, yet often overlooked, elements of a thriving community is the presence of "third places"—the parks, libraries, community centres, and cafes where people can connect. These spaces are essential for combating social isolation.
Looking at the data, the long-term economic case for a universal pharmacare program is strong. It would lead to better health outcomes, a more productive workforce, and would actually be more efficient than our current patchwork system.
September 12, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Looking at the data, the long-term economic case for a universal pharmacare program is strong. It would lead to better health outcomes, a more productive workforce, and would actually be more efficient than our current patchwork system.
The debate around a national pharmacare program has been going on for decades. Access to necessary medicine shouldn't depend on your job or income. It's a fundamental part of a humane and effective healthcare system.
September 12, 2025 at 1:49 PM
The debate around a national pharmacare program has been going on for decades. Access to necessary medicine shouldn't depend on your job or income. It's a fundamental part of a humane and effective healthcare system.
A progressive government should see scaling up Work-Integrated Learning not just as an education policy, but as a core part of its economic and workforce development strategy. It's a direct investment in our future talent pool.
September 11, 2025 at 8:09 PM
A progressive government should see scaling up Work-Integrated Learning not just as an education policy, but as a core part of its economic and workforce development strategy. It's a direct investment in our future talent pool.
Let's talk about the "experience paradox" facing new graduates: you can't get a job without experience, and you can't get experience without a job. This is a systemic failure, not an individual one. Paid, meaningful WIL is the most direct solution.
September 11, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Let's talk about the "experience paradox" facing new graduates: you can't get a job without experience, and you can't get experience without a job. This is a systemic failure, not an individual one. Paid, meaningful WIL is the most direct solution.
Universal Basic Income continues to be a compelling idea. It's not about "free money"; it's about providing a floor of economic stability so people have the security to take risks, start a small business, retrain for a new career, or care for a loved one
September 11, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Universal Basic Income continues to be a compelling idea. It's not about "free money"; it's about providing a floor of economic stability so people have the security to take risks, start a small business, retrain for a new career, or care for a loved one
A core challenge for all large institutions—from universities to government ministries—is breaking down the internal silos that stifle collaboration. Real-world problems don't respect our org charts, so our approach to solving them shouldn't either.
September 11, 2025 at 1:22 PM
A core challenge for all large institutions—from universities to government ministries—is breaking down the internal silos that stifle collaboration. Real-world problems don't respect our org charts, so our approach to solving them shouldn't either.
The challenge isn't with the degrees; it's with our failure to build effective bridges—like mandatory WIL placements—that help students translate these essential skills into the language of the modern workforce.
September 10, 2025 at 3:59 PM
The challenge isn't with the degrees; it's with our failure to build effective bridges—like mandatory WIL placements—that help students translate these essential skills into the language of the modern workforce.
There’s a persistent myth that the arts and humanities are "impractical" degrees. This is profoundly wrong. The ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and understand complex human systems is more valuable than ever in a world being reshaped by AI.
September 10, 2025 at 1:58 PM
There’s a persistent myth that the arts and humanities are "impractical" degrees. This is profoundly wrong. The ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and understand complex human systems is more valuable than ever in a world being reshaped by AI.
Observing the rise of AI tools in education. The potential for personalized learning is exciting, but we need a serious ethical conversation about data privacy and the risk of automating bias in assessment. We can't let the tech outpace our values.
September 9, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Observing the rise of AI tools in education. The potential for personalized learning is exciting, but we need a serious ethical conversation about data privacy and the risk of automating bias in assessment. We can't let the tech outpace our values.