Canada Invests $162 Million in AI Work Placements for Young Canadians
The Government of Canada announced a five-year investment of up to $162 million through Mitacs to support 10,000 AI-related work placements, aiming to boost practical skills and business adoption of artificial intelligence.
On September 25, 2026, the Government of Canada unveiled a significant financial commitment to bolster the nation's artificial intelligence sector. Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, made the announcement in Toronto, Ontario, detailing an investment of up to $162 million over five years, beginning in 2026–2027. The funds will be channeled through Mitacs, a national non-profit organization that connects academic researchers with industry partners.
This initiative is designed to create 10,000 co-funded work placement opportunities specifically for post-secondary students, recent graduates, and post-doctoral fellows. By integrating these young professionals into the workforce, the program aims to help them gain practical AI skills while simultaneously assisting Canadian businesses in adopting and commercializing new technologies. The funding supports the Mitacs AI Advantage programming, which operates through two distinct streams: ADOPT, which focuses on AI adoption within existing companies, and AI+X, which targets AI innovation.
The announcement aligns with Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All, launched earlier this year on June 4, 2026. This broader strategy sets an ambitious goal of creating up to 90,000 AI-related job and work placement opportunities for young Canadians by 2031. The current investment represents a substantial step toward meeting that target, reinforcing the government's commitment to strengthening the domestic AI talent pipeline.
Mitacs brings extensive experience to this endeavor, having supported more than 4,200 AI-related innovation projects since 2020. The organization maintains partnerships with over 200 post-secondary institutions, 170 innovation incubators, and 12,500 companies across Canada. These networks are expected to facilitate the smooth integration of participants into various sectors, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to enhance productivity and competitiveness through AI.
The impacts of this program are projected to be twofold. For young Canadians, it offers critical work experience and skill development in a rapidly evolving field. For businesses, especially SMEs, the influx of skilled talent aids in the practical application of AI solutions, driving growth and improving operational efficiency. As part of the ongoing efforts under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, this move underscores the strategic importance of human capital in the digital economy.