Canada and many other countries are experiencing a surge in artificial intelligence technology. The federal government is taking steps to ensure that Canadians have a clear understanding of AI, its capabilities, and its implications. To achieve this, they are introducing the National AI Literacy Initiative, offering a free online course to educate post-secondary students, K-12 educators, and the general public.
During an event in Edmonton, Minister of Artificial Intelligence Evan Solomon emphasized the importance of education in navigating change and innovation. The government’s initial focus is on investing in students, teachers, and the overall education and literacy of Canadians. Solomon highlighted the goal of developing AI technology that prioritizes serving people.
To support this initiative, the government is allocating $13 million in funding to launch 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 around three hours to complete. The courses are self-paced and do not require instructor guidance.
The first two courses cater to educators and post-secondary students and will be accessible to educational institutions starting on September 21. The course tailored for all Canadians will be released later in the year. These educational opportunities aim to empower Canadians to utilize AI effectively, critically assess its applications, and make informed decisions about its role in their lives.
Minister Solomon emphasized that the courses will focus on responsible AI use and skill-building. The teacher training course will equip K-12 educators with practical resources, with additional chapters planned for release in the fall. The post-secondary student program aims to enhance understanding of AI, promote confident and responsible usage, and develop foundational AI knowledge and workplace skills.
The third course, named Essentials for Canadians, will be accessible through Employment and Social Development Canada’s Job Bank and through community partners to be announced. Solomon underscored Canada’s role in AI innovation and expressed the government’s commitment to empowering Canadians with the knowledge and confidence to shape the future of AI.