Out of 47 countries assessed, Canada places 44th in AI literacy and 42nd in trust
Canadian businesses could face an uphill battle harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) as new research reveals the country’s workforce trails much of the world in both confidence and literacy related to AI systems.
A global survey released by KPMG International and the University of Melbourne finds Canada ranks near the bottom when it comes to AI training and public trust. Out of 47 countries assessed, Canada placed 44th in AI literacy and 42nd in trust — results that experts warn could pose serious economic implications if left unaddressed.
“Canada's economy is under pressure — from shifting geopolitics to technological disruption — and AI could be a powerful lever for driving productivity and prosperity,” said Benjie Thomas, CEO and Senior Partner at KPMG in Canada. “But low literacy in AI is holding Canadians back from trusting the technology, and that's a major barrier to adoption.”
The findings are part of Trust, Attitudes and Use of Artificial Intelligence: A Global Study 2025, based on responses from more than 48,000 individuals across 47 nations, including over 1,000 in Canada. Among advanced economies defined by the International Monetary Fund, Canada ranked 28th out of 30.
Only 24% of Canadian respondents reported receiving any training in AI — a stark contrast to the global average of 39%. Canadians also lag behind in AI self-efficacy, with just 47% feeling confident in their ability to use or interpret AI outputs, compared to 60% globally.
“The ability to use AI effectively and knowledgeably is becoming a critical skill in today’s economy,” said Thomas. “It’s imperative for Canadian institutions to prioritize AI education — both in schools and workplaces.”
AI knowledge levels also trail international peers, with just 38% of Canadians reporting moderate to high understanding of AI technologies, well behind the global rate of 52%.
Less than three years after the debut of the generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tool ChatGPT, most employers appear ready to embrace the next evolution of AI, according to a separate report from KPMG.
The public’s skepticism extends beyond literacy. Just over a third (34%) of Canadians said they trust information generated by AI, compared to 46% globally, finds KPMG. Fewer than half approve of the technology’s use, while nearly half believe its risks outweigh its benefits.
Yet, the actual rate of Canadians who’ve encountered negative experiences with AI (39%) is slightly lower than the global average (43%). Despite this, concerns remain high. Cybersecurity topped the list, with 87% voicing concerns despite only 32% having personally experienced such breaches. Loss of privacy and intellectual property also emerged as key anxieties.
“Canadians are understandably concerned about the potential risks of AI,” said Stephanie Terrill, Canadian Managing Partner for Digital and Transformation at KPMG. “But being overly risk-averse can stifle innovation and prevent us from staying competitive.”
In response to trust concerns, Canadian respondents signalled overwhelming support for regulatory oversight. Three-quarters support government regulation — a figure slightly above the global average — and 89% want laws to curb AI-generated misinformation, finds KPMG.
While Canada has yet to introduce a comprehensive federal AI regulatory framework, the government has implemented a voluntary code of conduct to guide responsible AI development. However, 72% of Canadians favour a co-regulatory approach involving government, industry, and independent regulators.
“There’s a clear demand from Canadians for stronger safeguards and accountability in AI systems,” said Terrill. “Public and private sector leaders must act collaboratively to implement frameworks that ensure AI technologies are secure, transparent and aligned with public interest.”
