Actua Receives Renewed Funding from Government of Canada CanCode Program
Press Release
Ottawa, ON – March 4, 2025
The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry announced that Actua will receive funding from the Government of Canada’s CanCode program. With this vital investment Actua will engage 350,000 youth and over 8,000 educators in every province and territory, significantly advancing digital literacy in Canada.
The CanCode program is an investment by the Government of Canada of nearly $40 million that will support increased access to opportunities for digital skills development for educators and youth in grades K-12.
Building on three previous successful funding rounds, this renewed support will further expand Actua’s program delivery nationwide and boost training in AI and emerging tech – equipping Canada’s future workforce with essential skills. It will support Actua’s 43 network member programs based at universities and colleges across the country, as well as programming delivered in northern and remote communities.
“With CanCode 4.0, we’re not just helping kids learn how to code—we’re helping them get the skills to build the future, whether that’s through artificial intelligence or the next big breakthrough in technology,” said The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Thanks to this investment, thousands of students and teachers across the country will have the tools they need to thrive in a world that’s getting more digital by the minute. The next big AI breakthrough could very well come in a classroom near you!”
“Actua is grateful to receive CanCode funding, allowing us to equip youth across Canada with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world, including important fields like AI where Canada can play a leading role,” said Jennifer Flanagan, President and CEO of Actua. “This investment comes at a critical time when Canada must invest in equipping the next generation with the confidence and abilities to shape our future.”
About Actua
Actua is a leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach organization, equipping youth in Canada with critical skills for the future workforce. The Actua network, representing over 40 universities and colleges, engages 500,000 youth in 600 communities, delivering transformative STEM experiences. Actua addresses Canada’s workforce shortages by ensuring all youth have access to the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. This is especially important for groups often underrepresented and underemployed, including 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, Coveo, Scotiabank, Mastercard, and Imperial.