The Canadian government's new artificial intelligence strategy positions AI as a major driver of job creation, economic growth and national competitiveness. It has also drawn some criticism for not providing enough detail on safety and governance.
A central element of the strategy is its focus on AI literacy. This includes a national initiative to provide free AI training for Canadians, ensuring all post-secondary students have access to trusted AI agents and a commitment to reach one million entry-level post-secondary students.
Over the past three years, many higher education institutions have been developing AI literacy educational opportunities to respond to the rapid pace of AI advancement and its implications for teaching, learning, research and operations.
In addition to holding AI literacy workshops, seminars and talks, and being concerned with institutional guidelines and ethical frameworks, universities need to plan for the systematic integration of AI literacy as part of their program learning outcomes.
