Building the People Who Will
Lead Canada's AI Future

CILAR (The Coalition of Innovation Leaders Advancing Respect) is a national platform bringing together leading firms, communities, and government partners to unlock a more prosperous and inclusive Canada in the AI age. Our Mission is to Equip 100,000 future-ready Canadians with AI and digital skills, particularly from underrepresented communities by 2030.
280
Executives
in reciprocal mentoring
$1,150,000
in programs advancing equity,
innovation and economic opportunity
546
Increased mentoring opportunities
for BIPOC youth in tech & innovation
100,000
Canadians planned to be
upskilled in AI by 2030

AI Powered Futures

AI Powered Futures is an applied upskilling program that helps retail professionals build practical AI literacy, stronger professional judgment, and confidence using AI in workplace settings

CCNDR Nonprofit AI Skilling Program

Working in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience (CCNDR), CILAR designed and developed a comprehensive dual-track curriculum that supports learners at different stages of AI adoption and organizational responsibility.

AI Build Experience

The AI Build Experience was created to bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders, community partners, and ecosystem builders who are ready to explore how AI can support real challenges and open new opportunities.

Become A Member

Interested in becoming a member? Join our Coalition

CILAR Blog

Take a look at our CILAR blog to stay up-to-date with current topics.

In The News

We've been featured on several different news platforms. Click here to stay-up-to-date.

Talent Playbook

This playbook reflects the guidance and multi-sectoral experience of leaders across the innovation economy who contributed their wisdom, professional and lived experiences, and subject matter expertise to bring this work to life.

Equitable AI Governance Playbook

The playbook will serve as a practical reference to support CILAR and its ecosystem partners in understanding equitable AI governance considerations, assessing AI readiness, and informing future decisions related to the CILAR AI Readiness Scorecard, including potential proof-of-concept development.

FairHire.AI

Partnering with the John Howard Society of Ontario, CILAR has developed and piloted a chatbot that supports Fair Chance Coalition members and provides scalable FCH content and enhances engagement.

NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS!

AI POWERED 
FUTURES

We have officially launched registration for our AI Powered Futures Program! Click the link down below to apply today!

PRESS — NEW YORK TIMES, DEC 2023

“It's difficult to hold tension in workplaces, but we should have enough compassion to listen to people's experiences and say, 'How can I help?'”

Nabeela Elsayed
quoted in coverage referencing CILAR's work

Letter of Support

“CILAR has brought valuable expertise in inclusive innovation, applied AI learning, workforce development, and community-centred capacity-building as the Nonprofit AI Skilling CoLab's co-design partner. We believe CILAR is well positioned to advance this work.”

Wilfreda Edward
Executive Director, CCNDR

Letter of Support

“What stands out in this work is the intentional focus on exposure and confidence-building. By creating spaces where youth can engage with employers, explore different roles, and understand how technology is shaping the workplace, CILAR is helping young people move from curiosity to direction.”

YAAACE
YAAACE Team Member

Letter of Support

“We believe CILAR's work contributes meaningfully to these goals and to a broader national conversation about inclusive digital infrastructure and workforce participation. We are pleased to support this initiative and look forward to seeing the insights and policy recommendations that emerge from this work.”

Kevin Bellerose
Chair, CIIT Board of Directors

Letter of Support

“Through this collaboration, we have seen firsthand CILAR's ability to bring together employers, community organizations, and subject matter experts to translate complex challenges into practical, scalable solutions.”

Roger Musselman
Co-Executive Director, Realize

Letter of Support

“The ongoing partnership between CILAR and MLSE has proven to be invaluable, particularly in the realm of hiring events and reciprocal mentoring initiatives for newcomer and/or BIPOC executives and youth. The partnerships we have cultivated under the banner of CILAR have become a testament to the transformative power of collaboration.”

Angela White
Senior Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, MLSE

Letter of Support

“I have had the privilege of working alongside CILAR for the past five years as one of its founding supporters. During that time, I have seen firsthand the organization's ability to deliver meaningful, community-driven programming that connects under-recognized communities to opportunities in technology and innovation. MLSE and CILAR have collaborated on multiple initiatives, and the quality of their work and the impact on participants has been consistently outstanding.”

Humza Teherany
Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, MLSE

Letter of Support

“Our experience working with CILAR showed us an organization that understands how to turn digital-skills content into practical, community-centred learning. Their team brings strong relationships, thoughtful delivery and a clear commitment to expanding access for young people who may not otherwise have these opportunities.”

Laura Pearce
Head of Marketing, Google Canada

Letter of Support

“What stood out was CILAR's ability to make the learning approachable and relevant. Students were not simply introduced to new tools; they were encouraged to think critically about how AI works, how it can be used responsibly and how these skills may connect to their futures.”

Laura Pearce
Head of Marketing, Google Canada

AI Powered Futures

“As part of the first cohort, this experience represents more than completion; it represents contribution. We were part of shaping what future cohorts will build on.”

AI Powered Futures Graduate
Inaugural Cohort, TMU Chang School of Continuing Education

AI Powered Futures - Inaugural Graduation Cohort (2026)

“It was a first-of-its-kind pilot cohort designed to equip professionals with practical AI skills to navigate the future of work. Being part of the first graduating class carries special meaning. We were not following an established path; we were helping define it.”

AI Powered Futures Graduate
Inaugural Cohort, TMU Chang School of Continuing Education

Algorithm For Change

“Still processing this. Grateful to the team at CILAR - for creating a space where innovation meets purpose. Your commitment to educating others about AI bias and advancing inclusive innovation is powerful.”

Fatima Abdillahi
Algorithm For Change Showcase Winner

ACCELERATE Leadership

“I spoke at CILAR's ACCELERATE Leadership Program about being an effective executive champion and shared my DEI leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of courage, intersectionality, and ongoing education for creating inclusive workplaces. I look forward to continuing the conversation and working toward a more inclusive future.”

Avelia Stewart
Manager, DEI & Sustainability, Western Financial Group

LeadInTech

“Thank you for including me in yesterday's LeadInTech conversations. I learned so much and enjoyed the opportunity to network to share best practices.”

Angela White
Senior Director, DEI, MLSE

LeadInTech

“I wanted to thank your team and Siemens for the wonderful event today, it was very informative and engaging, I enjoyed every minute of it, it was absolutely worth the long drive!!! Thanks!!”

Khaled Shahlaee
LeadInTech Participant

LeadInTech

“As a participant, I left the event feeling energized and equipped with new insights and perspectives that will shape my journey in the tech industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a meaningful initiative. Thank you again for your unwavering commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion, and leadership in the tech sector.”

Noreen Esson
Service Delivery Manager, Diversified

ACCELERATE MMentorship

“The ACCELERATE Mentorship program allows diversity in leadership and shows how we can embrace that together. And so the first thing is really, I imagine if I can be surrounded by people from different backgrounds, from different industries, I will be able to improve my cultural competence.”

Tam Nguyen
Co-Founder, In-Heart (IHS) Community

Want to Support?

Press the button down below to help us continue to drive CILAR's vision and mission forward!