Manitoba Government Hosts AI Summit to Foster Innovation in Education

Press Release

January 16, 2026

Summit Brings Together Education Leaders to Shape AI Future in Classrooms: Kinew, Schmidt

The Manitoba government hosted the province’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Summit, bringing together kindergarten to Grade 12 and post‑secondary leaders, educators and industry partners to explore how AI can be used productively and responsibly in classrooms, Premier Wab Kinew and Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today.

“This summit is about setting our kids up for success,” said Kinew. “When we bring teachers, developers and community leaders together, we make sure Manitoba students aren’t just keeping up with the future, they’re shaping it. By exploring how AI can strengthen learning in our classrooms, we’re giving young people the chance to seize new opportunities and meet tomorrow’s challenges.”

The summit featured Sinead Bovell, strategic foresight advisor and founder of the tech‑education company WAYE. Bovell, who has advised more than 17,000 educators, government officials and policymakers worldwide, delivered a keynote address titled ‘Architecting Education for an AI‑First World.’ Bovell shared insights on the path ahead, available supports and the next steps Manitoba educators will need to consider as the province prepares students for a future shaped by AI and other advanced technologies.

Manitoba Education is currently developing a framework called Guiding Principles on AI in Education to support high‑quality teaching and learning provincewide. The principles will help educators integrate AI in ways that strengthen student learning, align with Manitoba curriculum and uphold the central role of teachers. The document will offer clear, teaching-focused guidance on how AI can enhance instruction, support student assessment throughout the learning process, and expand opportunities for student engagement and inclusion, the minister noted, adding it will emphasize responsible, transparent and student‑centred use of AI.

The principles will be developed in consultation with educators, school divisions, Indigenous partners and education stakeholders across Manitoba.

“Our government is committed to ensuring students have the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need in an ever‑changing digital world,” said Schmidt. “That includes limiting cellphone use to support learning and launching our media literacy partnership to help students navigate information safely and responsibly.”

To further strengthen system-wide capacity, the Manitoba government has engaged Tom D’Amico of AI Leadership Consulting to provide specialized advisory support to education leaders. Through this agreement, D’Amico will deliver a suite of initiatives designed to build strategic understanding and system readiness for the responsible use of AI in kindergarten to Grade 12 education. His work will include a five‑part AI leadership webinar series, coaching for Manitoba school superintendents that will help guide governance, leadership decision‑making and the thoughtful integration of AI in classrooms.

AI literacy is becoming essential for future careers in every sector, from trades to health care to agriculture, Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable noted, adding that Manitoba’s economy will benefit from students who understand how to use and question AI tools.

“Critical thinking and relational skills have perhaps never been more important than they are today. AI is transforming research, streamlining processes and creating new opportunities for learning,” said Cable. “This summit helps ensure Manitoba’s colleges and universities are equipped to integrate AI responsibly and prepare students with the skills they need for success in a rapidly evolving economy.”

Manitoba is among the first provinces to convene a system‑wide conversation on AI in education. The summit signals the Manitoba government’s commitment to leading national conversations on AI and learning.

“Innovation is at the heart of Manitoba’s vision for education,” said Innovation and New Technology Minister Mike Moroz. “AI offers incredible opportunities to transform how we teach and learn. This summit is about harnessing those possibilities responsibly and ensuring Manitoba leads in developing forward‑thinking solutions that prepare students for the jobs and technologies of tomorrow.”

As outlined in the 2025 Speech from the Throne, the Manitoba government continues to invest in supports that set students on the path to success including new schools, expanded child‑care spaces, curriculum improvements and universal programs such as school nutrition and early reading screening.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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