Actua welcomes CanCode renewal as foundation for Canada’s digital and AI future

OTTAWA, ON - April 29, 2026

Actua welcomes today’s renewal of the CanCode program in the Government of Canada’s Spring Economic Update.

This investment recognizes the critical role of foundational digital skills for Canadian youth in a world increasingly defined by rapid AI development and complex online environments.

“The renewal of CanCode could not come at a more important time,” said Jennifer Flanagan, President and CEO of Actua. “This investment ensures that young Canadians can build the digital literacy, problem-solving skills, and confidence they need to succeed in a digital and AI-driven economy, while helping to create more inclusive pathways into future careers.”

The need for digital skills is urgent as AI becomes a central part of our daily lives. Young Canadians are navigating a world where misinformation and disinformation run rampant online, and many youth are struggling with the effects of social media and online platforms. By building strong digital literacy at an early age, CanCode helps youth not only use advanced technology like AI, but understand, create and shape it safely and responsibly, all while building the critical employability skills Canada needs in its future workforce. 

Since its launch, CanCode has reached millions of young Canadians with hands-on learning opportunities in coding, digital skills, AI and emerging technologies. With support from CanCode, the Actua network has engaged more than 3.7 million youth across Canada, with a strong focus on removing barriers to participation and increasing access for youth who are underrepresented in STEM, including Indigenous youth, girls and youth in rural and remote communities.

Actua looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Government of Canada to equip even more young Canadians and educators with the critical digital and AI literacy skills needed to thrive in the next generation of innovation.

About Actua

Actua is creating a Canada where every child has the skills and confidence they need to achieve their full potential. As a leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach organization, Actua includes over 40 universities and colleges, engaging 500,000 youth in 600 communities each year. For over 25 years, Actua has focused on identifying and removing the barriers for entry into STEM and now has national programs dedicated to engaging Indigenous youth, girls and young women, Black youth, youth with disabilities, those facing economic barriers and youth in Northern and remote communities. Actua’s work is made possible thanks to the support of its major funding partners, including the Government of Canada, Suncor Energy Foundation, TD Bank Group, Toyota Canada Foundation, Enbridge, CIBC Foundation, Scotiabank, Cenovus, Imperial and Microsoft Canada Inc.

Contact information

Alison Gareau
Senior Director, Communications, Actua
communications@actua.ca
613.234.4137