Canada needs a workforce savvy in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), capable of taking on challenges to compete in the digital economy. That’s why, to prepare the next generation of Canadian workers to succeed in the increasingly digital economy, the Government of Canada is supporting millions of young Canadians in improving their digital skills.

During a visit to the London Public Library today, Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Science and Sport and to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility (Accessibility), on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced a $1.5 millioninvestment in Let’s Talk Science as part of the second phase of the Government of Canada’s CanCode program. Through this project, Let’s Talk Science will deliver coding and digital skills programming to over 115,000 students across Canadaand provide 7,000 educators with training on embedding coding, computational thinking and digital skills into their teaching practice.

Let’s Talk Science is a national, charitable organization that engages youth in hands-on STEM activities and learning programs, such as science experiments. This organization opens doors for youth to study and work in these fields in the future. This investment will ensure that more girls—and members of other under-represented groups—gain and maintain an interest in STEM from an early age.

CanCode gives students from kindergarten to Grade 12 the opportunity to learn digital skills, like coding, data analytics and digital content development, including artificial intelligence. The program also helps Canadian teachers acquire the know-how to incorporate new digital skills and technologies into their classrooms, and it encourages young women, Indigenous peoples and members of other under-represented groups to pursue careers in STEM.

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada