Partnering with the Government of Canada, the initiative will deliver free, practical AI learning to educators, post-secondary students, and communities across the country.
Today, Amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute), one of Canada’s National AI Institutes, announced the National AI Literacy Initiative in partnership with the Government of Canada. This new program will provide free, practical learning opportunities designed to help Canadians build the skills they need to use AI safely, effectively, and confidently in their daily lives.
The announcement was made at Amii HQ in Edmonton, where Amii CEO Cam Linke was joined on stage by the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, alongside Matt Jeneroux, MP for Edmonton-Riverbend.
Set to formally launch on September 21, 2026, the Initiative is a core pillar of Canada’s overarching National AI Strategy: AI for All. Designed to help Canadians navigate the evolving digital landscape, the National AI Literacy Initiative offers free, accessible training to ensure citizens can use AI responsibly, safely and benefit from its use.
The programming will be available nationwide across three dedicated learning streams:
AI for All: Essentials for Students
AI for All: Essentials for Educators
AI for All: Essentials for Canadians
Artificial intelligence is transforming our economy, our workplaces and our daily lives. To succeed in an increasingly AI-enabled world, Canadians need the knowledge and skills to understand and use these technologies safely, confidently and responsibly. Through Canada's National AI Literacy Initiative, we are making free, accessible AI training available to students, educators, workers and all Canadians, helping them seize new opportunities, adapt to change and participate fully in Canada's digital future.
The Honourable Evan Solomon
Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the world of work, Canadians need the skills and opportunities to succeed. Through the National AI Literacy Initiative and the JobBank.gc.ca Training Finder, we are helping people build new skills, explore career opportunities and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. By helping Canadians adapt and grow in a changing economy, we are making sure more people can take advantage of the opportunities ahead.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
This national mandate is a profound validation of Amii’s proven track record in AI literacy, and we are deeply proud to answer this call—grounded firmly in our dedicated work in AI excellence as a National AI Institute. By delivering free, world-class AI learning to post-secondary institutions, educational spaces, and communities nationwide, we are demystifying technology and empowering all Canadians at every age, creating a generational impact on their ability to navigate an evolving digital world with confidence and trust.
Cam Linke
Amii CEO
AI is transforming every sector, and post-secondary institutions have a critical role to play in preparing students to lead that change. At NorQuest, students in our Machine Learning Analyst diploma program go from learning the fundamentals of AI to creating real-world solutions for businesses, non-profits, and communities. This investment will help ensure that every NorQuest student develops the skills to confidently use emerging technologies and thrive in the workforce of the future.
Carolyn Campbell
President and CEO of NorQuest College
Expert-Driven Programs Built for Impact
Minister Solomon with a few members of Amii's Training Team.
As one of Canada’s three National AI Institutes, Amii has spent decades advancing world-class AI research and translating complex science into real-world applications. A recognized leader in AI literacy, Amii has already reached 1.3 million learners worldwide. Developed in collaboration with pedagogical experts, active educators, and industry partners, Amii’s training and literacy programs equip K–12 classrooms, post-secondary campuses, and energy sector workforces with essential digital skills nationwide.
Amii’s proven learning frameworks are uniquely built to scale accessible AI education.
Amii’s Markers of Experience and Success
Amii's K-12 Learning Kits
184,000+
Amii’s K-12 Learning Kits Deployed
6600+
Teachers trained Through Professional Development
1132
Schools Reached
2370+
Teachers Accessing Amii Learning Kits
Amii's AI Workforce Readiness Program
61
Canadian Post-Secondary Institutes in the National Consortium
900,000+
Post-Secondary Students Represented
National AI Literacy Initiative: Core Streams
Essentials for Students
Entry-level post-secondary students can complete the foundational AI Essentials for Canadian Students course directly through the National Student AI Literacy Initiative or via learning pathways at participating campuses.
Building on Amii’s established AI Workforce Readiness (AIWR) consortium, Canadian post-secondary institutions are invited to join a national consortium to bring this course to campus. Member institutions gain access to specialized curriculum packages built through a proven community of practice that embed AI literacy directly into professional disciplines like Nursing, Journalism, and Chemistry.
Consortium applications open September 10, with a bilingual version of the course available by September 29, 2026.
Essentials for Educators
Through the Essentials for Educators stream, K–12 teachers can access practical online training with five additional modules set to launch throughout the fall.
To expand its impact, schools, school boards, and educational organizations can also seamlessly integrate these turnkey course materials into their existing professional development systems—supporting a broader goal to empower 50,000 educators by 2031.
Essentials for All Canadians
On December 4, AI Essentials for Canadians launches nationwide in partnership with community organizations serving urban, rural, and remote populations. Feedback from these initial cohorts will help shape the final, fully open-access version of the program, which will be available for free online and in both official languages.
At the same time, career-focused AI training will be available through Job Bank’s National Training Finder, helping job seekers and workers stay ahead of workplace automation and changing job demands.
A Milestone for Canada’s AI Future
As highlighted in Canada's National AI Strategy: AI for All, AI literacy is an essential catalyst to empower people and prepare our workforce for an ever-changing world. By demystifying artificial intelligence and making it accessible and relatable to learners of all ages and backgrounds, we are building AI confidence and helping Canadians make informed decisions about technology.
This is a momentous milestone. Amii is proud to deliver this national mandate, laying the groundwork for generational impact, new economic opportunities, and long-term national prosperity.
Stay Informed
Keep up to date with the latest announcements about the AI for All programs: