A new international study by KPMG and the University of Melbourne has found that Canada ranks among the lowest countries globally when it comes to AI literacy, sparking concern over the country’s readiness for a rapidly advancing digital future. Out of 47 countries surveyed, Canada placed 44th overall, and 28th among 30 advanced economies in public and professional understanding of artificial intelligence.
Stephanie Terrill, KPMG Canada’s managing partner for digital, said the findings point to a troubling gap—not in innovation, but in education and engagement. “We’re not seeing the level of trust or engagement in AI in the workplace that we see globally,” she said in an interview with BNN Bloomberg. While many Canadians use AI in their personal lives, adoption in professional settings lags significantly, largely due to discomfort and confusion around how AI works.
The global survey, conducted from November 2024 to January 2025, included over 48,000 participants, with 1,025 Canadians among them. Only 24 percent of Canadian respondents said they had received any form of AI training—far below the global average of 39 percent. Meanwhile, just 38 percent rated their knowledge of AI as moderate or high, compared to 52 percent globally.
Trust in AI also remains low in Canada. Only 34 percent of Canadians said they trust AI-generated information, and just 50 percent support the use of AI in general—both figures falling well short of international averages. The lack of confidence is especially notable among business leaders, many of whom remain reluctant to use advanced AI tools like large language models for operational tasks.
In response to the findings, KPMG is calling for a national strategy to improve AI literacy at all levels, starting from primary education through to post-secondary institutions and into the workforce. Terrill stressed that building both understanding and trust is critical if Canada is to compete globally. “AI isn’t perfect, but to ignore it is to fall behind,” she said.
The study also reveals a strong public appetite for regulation. Three-quarters of Canadians surveyed said they want stronger rules and clearer accountability for AI technology. While the desire for governance is high, the report makes clear that without greater investment in education and training, Canada risks being left behind as the world moves toward widespread AI integration.