Google Canada has announced the launch of the AI Opportunity Fund, a $13 million initiative aimed at helping Canadians build the skills they need to thrive in an AI-powered economy. The investment will support four Canadian organizations—Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), First Nations Technology Council, Skills for Change, and the Toronto Public Library—to scale AI skills training programs across the country.
“AI is transforming the way we work and can empower people across almost every field,” said Sabrina Geremia, VP & Country Managing Director for Google Canada. “Canada is uniquely positioned to capture the immense AI opportunity, by putting this technology to work. The AI Opportunity Fund will help upskill Canadians nationwide, strengthen our workforce, and prepare Canadians for an AI-powered economy.”
Together, the four organizations will reach more than two million Canadians with foundational AI skills and training, helping to close the country’s growing digital skills gap and bolster workforce readiness.
Broad National Impact
The Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute will lead a national effort to provide post-secondary students with foundational AI skills. “Canada has an incredible opportunity to translate decades of AI research excellence into fundamental AI literacy skills for a generation of post-secondary students because of the generous support of Google.org,” said Cam Linke, CEO of Amii. “Amii is proud to lead the effort to build a national AI Workforce Readiness Consortium…we’re ready to support educators with equitable access to curriculum resources across faculties, programs and domains.”
The First Nations Technology Council will focus on Indigenous inclusion in AI, offering training and resources to Indigenous students and communities. “Google.org’s commitment to supporting AI training programs for Indigenous Peoples represents a meaningful step toward reconciliation…empowering communities to leverage AI for nation-building while driving economic growth and fostering technology-enabled efficiencies that benefit Indigenous Peoples and Canada as a whole,” said Natiea Vinson, CEO.
Meanwhile, Skills for Change will direct its efforts toward communities with high unemployment. “Our new AI skilling project, made possible through Google.org’s generous support, represents a transformative opportunity to bridge the digital divide and create equitable access to the future of work,” said Surranna Sandy, CEO.
At the local level, the Toronto Public Library will bring free AI tools and training to the public. “As AI rapidly transforms our world, it’s crucial that members of society understand and have the skills and abilities to shape and leverage these changes,” said Vickery Bowles, City Librarian. “Through Google.org’s generous funding, we will launch an AI Upskilling Initiative, focused on the responsible and ethical use of AI.”
Government and Economic Impact
The move has also garnered support from the provincial government. “In today’s digital economy, it’s encouraging to see global leaders like Google.org supporting Ontario’s workforce,” said David Piccini, Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Their support for the AI Opportunity Fund will equip workers with the skills needed to seize the jobs of tomorrow—and ensures Ontario remains competitive in a fast-changing world.”
According to Public First’s Economic Impact Report on Google Canada, generative AI could add $230 billion to the Canadian economy and potentially save the average worker over 175 hours a year. While interest in acquiring AI skills is high—63 per cent of Canadian workers, and 72 per cent among youth—access to quality training remains a critical first step.
This latest initiative builds on Google Canada’s existing digital skilling programs, including Google Career Certificates and other Grow with Google offerings.
With the launch of the AI Opportunity Fund, Google Canada is aiming to ensure that Canadians not only keep pace with AI innovation but help shape its future across sectors and communities.
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