With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in Canada and globally, the Canadian government is taking steps to ensure that Canadians have a clear understanding of AI, its capabilities, and its impacts. This initiative, known as the National AI Literacy Initiative, aims to offer a free online course to post-secondary students, K-12 educators, and the general public.
During the launch event in Edmonton, Minister of Artificial Intelligence Evan Solomon emphasized the importance of education in navigating the current era of change and innovation. He stated, “Investing in students, teachers, and the overall education and literacy of all Canadians is crucial for success in the age of AI.”
The government is allocating $13 million in funding to develop three free courses in collaboration with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII). These courses, which can be accessed by any interested Canadian, allow participants to progress through modules at their own pace. The course tailored for post-secondary students is designed to be completed in approximately three hours.
The courses are self-paced and do not involve direct instructor guidance. The initial two courses are tailored for educators and post-secondary students and will be accessible to educational institutions starting on September 21. The course aimed at the general public will be launched later in the year.
According to a government statement, these educational opportunities will empower Canadians to utilize AI effectively, question its applications when necessary, and make informed decisions about its role in their lives. The course for teachers will equip K-12 educators with practical training and resources, while the program for post-secondary students focuses on fostering a responsible and confident use of AI, alongside developing essential workplace skills.
The third course, titled Essentials for Canadians, will be accessible through Employment and Social Development Canada’s national Training Finder on the Job Bank website, as well as through community partners to be announced.
Minister Solomon highlighted that Canada has played a significant role in shaping modern AI and emphasized the importance of equipping Canadians with the knowledge and confidence to influence the future of AI.
