Press Release

Youth in Canada use AI every single day – from algorithms that determine their social media feeds to help with homework to recommendations of music on Spotify. But do they understand how it works? Do they know the ethical challenges of AI, like misinformation, bias and environmental impact? And are they equipped to lead in navigating these challenges? According to young people, the answer is yes. However, their educators disagree.

National survey data commissioned by Actua underscores this significant gap: 

• 71 per cent of youth say they know how to use AI effectively, but only 38 per cent of educators agree. 
• Similarly, 73 per cent of youth believe they know how to use AI responsibly, but a mere 36 per cent of educators share this confidence in students’ ability. 

Educators, parents, caregivers and youth overwhelmingly agree that knowledge and awareness of AI are crucial for students’ future career success. This consensus is strongly supported by the data, with 80 per cent of educators, 82 per cent of parents and caregivers and 77 per cent of youth sharing this view on AI’s essential role in the workforce.

While students (61 per cent) and parents/caregivers (51 per cent) are optimistic about the benefits of AI in education, educators show more caution, with only 44 per cent saying they believe AI will be more beneficial than harmful in education. This is compounded by the challenges educators report in learning about AI: a lack of resources (65 per cent), insufficient professional development (56 per cent) and limited personal knowledge (55 per cent). This data highlights a need to address the challenges educators are experiencing. 

The AI revolution demands action now: Actua’s survey underscores the urgent need for comprehensive AI skills training to future-proof Canadian youth. The silver lining? An overwhelming 84 per cent of youth are hungry to learn more.

Powering up Canada’s AI future, Actua’s national AI Literacy Project will inject crucial AI knowledge and skills across Canada. Our expansive network at over 40 universities and colleges ensures we reach youth, educators and parents in every corner of the country. This comprehensive program will:   

• Provide hands-on, practical AI skills development for students through workshops, camps, clubs and after-school programs, enabling them to leverage AI in any career path they choose.
• Empower educators with the confidence and resources to teach AI effectively and responsibly. With 78 per cent of teachers acknowledging the need to improve their AI skills, Actua’s training is a critical investment in their professional development and their ability to prepare students for the future workforce.
• Inform and engage parents, recognizing their crucial role in supporting their children’s AI literacy journey and understanding the career opportunities AI skills can unlock.
• Provide a strong understanding of AI’s impact on education, work, culture and beyond, along with an ethical understanding of AI risks related to misinformation, bias, misuse and environmental impact. 

By building these skills, Actua is preparing youth to be adaptable and successful in an increasingly AI-integrated world. Jennifer adds, “Actua’s AI skills training goes beyond preparing youth for specific jobs in AI. We are equipping them with the know-how and ethical understanding to excel in any career they choose and to navigate AI responsibly in all facets of their lives – from learning and work to culture and society.”

Actua’s nationwide training initiative, fueled by strategic collaboration with Microsoft Canada and the generous support of the Government of Canada’s CanCode 4.0 program, is a pivotal step in building Canada’s AI-ready future.

To learn more about Actua’s AI-skills development work and to access resources, visit actua.ca/AIready.

Actua, in collaboration with Abacus Data, fielded online surveys of 502 Canadian K-12 educators and 1,000 youth (aged 12 to 18) and their parents/caregivers. Educators were surveyed in November 2024 from all regions, including a balance of elementary and high school and STEM and non-STEM educators. Youth and parents/caregivers were surveyed in February 2025 from all regions and included a balanced distribution of youth by age and gender. Margins of error cannot be calculated for online panel surveys, but similar surveys have MOEs of 4.4 per cent (educators) and 3 per cent (youth and parent/caregiver).

A comprehensive report with detailed findings from the survey will be released in June 2025.

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 25 years, Actua has focused on identifying and removing the barriers for entry into STEM and now have national programs dedicated to engaging Indigenous youth, girls and young women, Black youth, 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, RBC Foundation, Suncor Energy Foundation, TD Bank Group, Google.org, Toyota Canada Foundation, Enbridge, Cenovus, CIBC Foundation, Scotiabank, Imperial and Microsoft Canada Inc.

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