Actua's Reaction to the 2025 Federal Budget
OTTAWA, ON - November 4, 2025
Today, the federal government released its 2025 budget, which was void of investments in digital and AI skills development for young Canadians.
“Despite the government’s recognition that we are firmly in an AI-driven economy, today’s budget fell short of investing in the very people who will drive it,” said Jennifer Flanagan, CEO of Actua.
For the past nine years, the government has supported critical digital skills development for millions of young Canadians and educators through its CanCode program. CanCode is scheduled to sunset in March 2026, and Actua is calling on the government to provide clarity on whether it will continue.
Whether it’s CanCode or another investment mechanism, Canadians, especially those most unrepresented and underserved, must have access to AI skills development to drive our future workforce or Canada will not be able to compete on the global stage.
Federal-funded programs like CanCode have enabled youth and educators to learn the technical foundations of AI, understand its ethical and societal implications, and develop the ability to use emerging technologies responsibly. These are foundational skills for our future economy.
“It will take too long for school curriculums across Canada to catch up with the rapidly evolving workforce demands. Programs like CanCode are a proven solution,” says Flanagan.
Actua looks forward to working with the government to carve a clear path forward on supporting Canada’s digital and AI future.
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 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, 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
(613) 234-4137
communications@actua.ca