The Canadian federal government is taking steps to ensure that Canadians have a better understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications by launching the National AI Literacy Initiative. This initiative aims to provide free online courses to post-secondary students, K-12 educators, and the general public.
During the initiative’s launch event in Edmonton, Minister of Artificial Intelligence Evan Solomon emphasized the importance of education in navigating technological changes and innovation. The government plans to invest in students, teachers, and the overall education system as part of its AI strategy, focusing on developing technology that prioritizes 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). 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 do not involve instructor-led sessions.
The first two courses, tailored for educators and post-secondary students, will be accessible to educational institutions starting on September 21. The course intended for all Canadians will be launched later in the year. These learning opportunities aim to equip Canadians with the skills and knowledge to utilize AI responsibly, question its applications, and make informed decisions about its integration into their lives.
Minister Solomon highlighted that the teacher-focused course will offer practical training and resources for K-12 educators, with additional chapters to be released progressively. The program for post-secondary students is designed to enhance their understanding of AI, fostering confidence and responsibility in its use while building essential workplace skills.
The third course, Essentials for Canadians, will be available through Employment and Social Development Canada’s national Training Finder on the Job Bank website, along with partnerships with community organizations yet to be announced. This initiative aims to empower Canadians with the necessary knowledge and confidence to shape the future of AI, building on Canada’s foundational contributions to modern AI technologies.