Canadians have among the lowest levels of training, literacy and trust in artificial intelligence systems in the world, new research from KPMG International and the University of Melbourne shows.
Trust, attitudes and use of artificial intelligence: A global study 2025 is the most comprehensive global study into the public’s trust, use and attitudes towards AI. The study surveyed over 48,000 people in 30 advanced economies and 17 emerging economies, including 1,025 people in Canada.
The study found Canada ranked 44th in AI training and literacy out of all 47 countries, and 28th among the 30 advanced economies, as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). When it comes to trust in AI systems, Canada ranked 42nd out of 47 countries and 25th out of 30 advanced economies.
The findings underscore the need for increased investments in education, training and regulation to build Canadians’ trust in AI and use it as a strategic tool to help solve the country’s productivity crisis, said Benjie Thomas, CEO and Senior Partner of KPMG in Canada.
Benjie Thomas
“Canada’s economy is facing multiple pressures – U.S. tariffs are upending global trade systems, geopolitical shifts are increasing operational risks, while technology advances at lightning speed. Now is the time for our organizations, institutions and governments to act boldly to boost prosperity and advance our competitive position – AI offers us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do that.”
“Low literacy in AI is holding Canadians back from trusting the technology, and that’s a major barrier to adoption. The more Canadians know about AI, the more likely they are to trust it and use it. We need to get Canadians and Canadian organizations excited about using AI because it can help boost our productivity and create a more competitive and dynamic economy.”
The survey focused on three key areas: AI training, knowledge and efficacy. Less than one quarter (24 per cent) of Canadian respondents said they have received AI training, compared to 39 per cent globally, it said.
“The ability to use AI effectively and knowledgeably is becoming a critical skill in today’s economy. AI will re-shape the future of nearly every organization, so it’s imperative for Canadian institutions to prioritize AI training and education at all levels – in schools and in the workplace,” added Thomas.
Fewer than four in 10 (38 per cent) Canadians said they have moderate or high knowledge of AI, compared to 52 per cent globally. AI knowledge includes whether respondents feel informed about how AI is used, whether they understand when AI is being used, and whether they feel they have the skills necessary to use AI, added the report.
When respondents were asked to self-report their level of AI efficacy – that is, how skillfully they could use, communicate with or evaluate responses generated by AI – only 47 per cent of Canadians said they can use AI effectively, versus 60 per cent globally.
Stephanie Terrill
“AI training and education is necessary for all Canadians. With more education, we will all be able to use AI more confidently and safely, and adoption will grow. When AI adoption grows, innovation and productivity growth will follow,” said Stephanie Terrill, Canadian Managing Partner for Digital and Transformation at KPMG in Canada.
“Canadians are understandably concerned about the potential risks of AI but being overly risk averse can stifle innovation and hold us back from being competitive. There are governance mechanisms and frameworks that can boost transparency and security in AI systems, but public and private sector leaders must commit to adopting them – with engagement and buy-in from Canadians. That will help build public trust in AI and by extension, higher adoption.
“Canadians want assurances that AI systems are safe, secure and reliable. Governments, businesses, academic and non-profit institutions must work together with Canadians to advance AI responsibly and ethically, while prioritizing innovation and productivity first and foremost. We need transformational leadership and collaboration.”
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024 and 2025.
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