McKenna Institute Blog

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Education systems worldwide are navigating a transformative moment, and New Brunswick is no exception. The rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence, evolving global workforce demands, and shifting student engagement levels present both challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, with the geopolitical battles and the U.S.’s massive pivots—especially in big tech and deregulation—how will this impact Canada and, by consequence, New Brunswick?

Before the recent prorogation of Canada's Parliament, the government had introduced the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) as part of Bill C-27, known as the Digital Charter Implementation Act. This legislation aimed to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for AI systems across Canada, focusing on responsible development and oversight. The AIDA was closely aligned with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in Europe.

But now, with new tariffs and economic battles shifting global priorities, where will Canada align?

And what will be the impact on our children and education?

To prepare students for the future, we need to take an intentional approach to AI integration—learning from past technology implementations while shaping a strategic, forward-thinking vision that takes advantages of the opportunities, while mitigating the risk.

Make no mistake, the urgency to integrate AI intentionally—rather than simply reacting to its rapid adoption—is being felt across jurisdictions worldwide. Education leaders, policymakers, and industry experts are dedicating countless hours to discussions on how to seize AI’s opportunities while mitigating its risks. The question is no longer if AI will reshape education, but how we will shape its role to support teaching and learning in meaningful ways. Every single jurisdiction and decision maker has a choice: take the lead in this transformation or risk falling behind as other regions move forward with bold, strategic action.

This urgency extends beyond policy and regulation—it directly impacts how we teach, learn, and work. AI is not just a tool; it is reshaping industries, redefining the labor market, and transforming how knowledge is created and consumed.

If we fail to act decisively, we risk creating an education system that lags behind societal and workforce realities, leaving students unprepared for a world where AI fluency will be as essential as literacy. The integration of AI must be intentional, touching every facet of education—from curriculum design and teacher training to digital infrastructure and ethical considerations. The window to get this right is closing fast. Other regions are rapidly embedding AI in their education and workforce strategies. If we delay, we risk not only falling behind but also losing the ability to shape AI’s role in education on our own terms.

Traditionally, literacy and numeracy have served as key indicators of student achievement. While those foundational skills remain essential, a narrow focus on them alone may not fully equip students for the complexities of a digital and AI-driven world. By taking a broader approach, we can develop a system that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability—skills that will define success in the coming decades. This requires a holistic approach that not only strengthens core academic competencies but also prioritizes digital literacy, ethical AI use, digital wellness, and responsible citizenship. Proactively teaching students how to navigate AI-powered environments, critically assess online information, and engage ethically in digital spaces will be just as important as traditional learning outcomes.

Leading education systems like Finland, Singapore, and New Zealand have recognized the need for this shift. Finland prioritizes teacher autonomy and curriculum innovation, acknowledging that strong teaching drives student success. Singapore systematically assesses the impact of professional development to support teachers as classrooms evolve. New Zealand integrates student well-being and digital literacy into its performance measures, aligning education with modern workforce expectations.

They are not the only countries training students in AI – Estonia, England, South Korea, and the United States are making strides in incorporating AI into education along with Canada. China recently announced they will begin incorporating AI classes into primary and secondary schools in Beijing.

By adopting a similar strategic approach, New Brunswick can become a global leader. Building on the strengths of our system, we can enhance traditional measures with additional key indicators that reflect the realities of today’s learning environment.

Some of this work is already underway. With the expertise of Dr. Matt McGuire, McKenna Fellow in Digital Education, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) is actively developing an AI framework for education. By leveraging this foundation, we can make sure AI integration enhances learning rather than creating new challenges. The Institute is also working with EECD to support Armand Doucet, Strategic Advisor for Artificial Intelligence, to align our education system with best practices.

EECD has also established the Digital Learning Network alongside the McKenna Institute to provide resources and connections for educators to gain best practices in integrating digital technology and AI into the classroom. Additionally, the second Digital Learning Summit will be held this month by EECD and the Centre of Excellence for Digital Transformation to bring together experts and educators to continue to grow the province’s AI in education strategy.

New Brunswick stands at a pivotal moment. The choices made today will shape the future of the education system. By embracing a comprehensive, AI-enabled strategy, the province can take a leadership role in educational innovation. This is not just about adapting to change—it is about guiding it with purpose, making sure students are prepared for an evolving world.

The time to act is now. Around the world, education systems are making bold investments in AI-powered learning and workforce-aligned curricula. By proactively defining the path forward, New Brunswick can stay ahead of the curve and provide students with the best possible foundation for success.

Together, we have the opportunity to build a stronger, more future-ready education system—one that not only meets the demands of today but anticipates the needs of tomorrow.

Frank McKenna is Deputy Chair, Wholesale Banking, TD Bank; the Founder of the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick; former Premier of New Brunswick and Canadian Ambassador to the United States.