Edmonton-based Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) is taking a leading role in building Canada’s AI-ready workforce, backed by a major investment from Google Canada.
Google has launched a $13 million AI Opportunity Fund aimed at training more than two million Canadians in artificial intelligence. Amii is one of four organizations selected to scale workforce development programs under the initiative, alongside the First Nations Technology Council, Skills for Change, and the Toronto Public Library.
As part of the funding, Amii will establish a national AI Workforce Readiness Consortium designed to equip post-secondary students across Canada with foundational AI skills. The consortium will work with institutions ranging from colleges and polytechnics to U15 research universities and Indigenous post-secondary education institutes.
“From colleges and polytechnics to U15 research universities and Indigenous PSE institutes, we’re ready to support educators with equitable access to curriculum resources,” said Cam Linke, CEO of Amii. “This is a critical step toward ensuring that Canada’s emerging AI economy is inclusive and future-focused.”
The initiative reinforces Alberta’s role as a national hub for AI research and commercialization, with Amii continuing to expand its impact beyond research into real-world applications and workforce development.
Google Canada’s VP and Country Managing Director Sabrina Geremia emphasized the importance of wide-reaching training efforts to help Canada remain competitive. “Canada is uniquely positioned to capture the immense AI opportunity,” she said. “The AI Opportunity Fund will help upskill Canadians nationwide, strengthen our workforce, and prepare Canadians for an AI-powered economy.”
A recent report from consultancy Public First estimates that generative AI could contribute $230 billion to Canada’s economy, saving the average worker over 175 hours annually. But the report stresses that achieving these benefits will depend on increasing AI literacy—a goal Amii is now well-positioned to help lead.
This latest initiative builds on Google’s previous investments in AI education in Canada, including its Grow with Google platform and Google Career Certificates.
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