With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in Canada and globally, the federal government is taking steps to ensure that Canadians are well-informed about AI, its capabilities, and its implications. This initiative involves the launch of the National AI Literacy Initiative, providing free online courses to post-secondary students, K-12 educators, and the general public to educate them on the fundamentals of AI.
During an event in Edmonton, Minister of Artificial Intelligence Evan Solomon emphasized the importance of education in navigating change and innovation. He announced the government’s investment in students, teachers, and all Canadians’ education and literacy as part of their AI strategy. Solomon highlighted the focus on developing AI technology to prioritize serving people.
To support this initiative, the federal government is allocating $13 million in funding to create three free courses in collaboration with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII), with plans to make them accessible to all Canadians. Participants can progress through course modules at their own pace, with the post-secondary student course estimated to take about three hours to complete. These courses are self-paced and do not require instructor guidance.
The initial courses cater to educators and post-secondary students, set to be available to educational institutions starting on September 21. A course designed for all Canadians will follow later in the year. These educational opportunities aim to empower Canadians to use AI effectively, question its applications, and make informed decisions about integrating AI into their lives.
According to a government statement, these courses will focus on responsible AI use and skill-building. The course for teachers will offer practical training and resources, with additional chapters to be released in the fall. The post-secondary student program aims to provide foundational AI knowledge and workplace skills for responsible AI utilization. The third course, “Essentials for Canadians,” will be accessible through the Employment and Social Development Canada’s national Training Finder in the Job Bank platform, as well as through community partners.
Minister Solomon emphasized that Canada has played a significant role in shaping modern AI and is now committed to ensuring that Canadians have the knowledge and confidence to influence the future of AI.
