Google Canada is committing $13 million through its new AI Opportunity Fund to support AI skills development and training programs nationwide. The fund targets organizations that help Canadians gain essential AI competencies to prepare the workforce for an AI-driven economy.
Sabrina Geremia, Google Canada’s VP and Country Managing Director, emphasizes that Canada’s strong AI research background positions it to capitalize on AI advancements. The initiative aims to equip Canadians with the skills needed for evolving job markets and technology adoption.
The AI Opportunity Fund backs several projects including Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) offering foundational AI skills to post-secondary students, First Nations Technology Council training Indigenous students, Skills for Change delivering AI training to high-unemployment communities, and Toronto Public Library’s city-wide AI upskilling program.
Provincial leaders like Ontario’s Minister of Labour, David Piccini, praise the investment as vital to workforce competitiveness in a fast-changing digital economy. Manitoba is also investing $2 million in AI training for small and medium businesses in collaboration with local chambers of commerce.
Google highlights that generative AI could add $230 billion to Canada’s economy while saving workers significant time annually. Despite strong interest in AI skills among Canadians, particularly younger workers, there is a need for expanded upskilling efforts by companies.
Swifteradio.com
