Artificial Intelligence in Public Education

Demanding Strong AI Policies for Public Education

Canada needs a comprehensive AI governance framework that prioritizes equity, transparency, and accountability in K-12 public education. 

Right now, Canada lacks clear federal and provincial/territorial policies to ensure AI systems in schools are safe, ethical, and equitable. Without urgent action, teachers will continue to face the burden of managing AI’s impact on students – without the protections or guidance they deserve. 

The Federal Legislative Landscape 

The proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) was introduced within the federal government’s Bill C-27, tabled during the 44^th Canadian Parliament. While AIDA addresses data protection broadly, it does not include explicit provisions specific to the unique risks of AI in education, especially concerning minors. 

However, the dissolution of the 44^th Parliament on March 23, 2025, terminated this Bill. The legislation must be reintroduced in the next session of Parliament to be considered as a bill once again.  

The CTF/FCE’s Calls to Action  

The CTF/FCE calls on the federal government and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) to work with provinces and territories to put in place strong, enforceable policies that:  

• Protect student privacy and data security; 

• Regulate how AI is used in classrooms; 

• Promote responsible and ethical use of AI systems in public education. 

Together, we can shape a future where technology empowers education, rather than undermines it. 

Defining AI in Canadian Public Education

Schools store vast amounts of sensitive data, yet many lack the necessary cybersecurity infrastructure to protect against cyber threats. Concerns about data privacy and security are magnified as AI and generative AI (GenAI) tools become increasingly integrated into educational settings. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to “…machine-based systems that can, given a set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions that influence real or virtual environments.” UNICEF, 2021, p.16

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) refers to AI “…that automatically generates content in response to prompts written in natural-language conversational interfaces…It generates its content by statistically analysing the distributions of words, pixels or other elements in the data that it has ingested and identifying and repeating common patterns.” UNESCO, 2023, p.8

Key Research Insights

Surveys 

• A 2023 UNESCO survey found that fewer than 10% of schools worldwide have developed policies concerning the use of AI. 
• 2023 KPMG data shows that more than half of Canadian students over 18 have used AI to complete assignments or pass exams. 

Recommendations  

Multi-level Governance Approach  

Provincial and territorial governments play a crucial role in AI regulation, particularly since education is under their jurisdiction. However, most provinces and territories lack comprehensive AI frameworks and policies to ensure ethical and responsible integration. To date, only Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia have an AI framework or guidelines. 

To dig deeper, review the AI Legislative and Policy Scan Summary: AI Legislation and Policy in Canada: Gaps and Risks in K-12 Education. 

To ensure AI enhances rather than disrupts public education, a multi-level governance approach is essential:

Government of Canada  

• Regulate national AI strategies, privacy, and data protection measures. 
• Adopt measures to regulate AI in education, emphasizing the need for stronger privacy protections and transparent accountability mechanisms. 
  Example: amend the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act to include education-specific regulations in order to address high-impact AI systems. 

Provincial and territorial governments 

• Oversee key areas such as AI-specific curriculum development, classroom integration, and teacher training. 
• Collaborate with boards, unions, schools, and teacher professionals to ensure coordinated protections and AI policies for educators.

School boards 

• In consultation with the provinces and territories, implement regulated measures for:  
  • The procurement and use of AI software, ensuring it aligns with ethical and pedagogical standards. 
  • Privacy protection that safeguards student and teacher data. 
  • Equitable access to AI technologies, preventing further disparities in education. 

Multi-Level Governance Approach

Without coordinated action, proactive policy measures, and clear accountability, educational institutions remain vulnerable to cyber threats. Governments at all levels must act now to develop and enforce policies that protect the rights of teachers and students. 

Resources

Source, podcast episode

In this episode of Source, Dr. Christina J. Colclough, founder of The Why Not Lab and advocate for the digital rights of workers, discusses the impacts of digital technologies and AI on education workers. Tune in to learn more about how to protect labour rights and privacy, tools to support bargaining around digital tech, and digital rights advocacy.  

AI Guidelines in Absence of Legislation

In the absence of formal AI legislation, various education bodies have stepped in to provide guidelines to promote the responsible use of AI in schools. Notably, AI guidelines have been introduced by: 

• The governments of British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Quebec (in French only) — through the Conseil supérieur de l’éducation and the Commission de l’éthique en science et en technologie.  

• School boards such as the Ottawa Catholic School Board, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, and the Lloydminster Public School Division.

These guidelines aim to protect student privacy, ensure ethical AI use, and address concerns regarding the health and safety of students and educators. However, they also shift much of the responsibility onto teachers, expecting them to navigate AI tools while ensuring privacy, exercising professional judgment, and promoting responsible AI use among students. This highlights the need for urgent action from all levels of government. 

Please view the PDF for additional resources.

Videos