New initiative will support job seekers and working learners by delivering free, bilingual, accessible artificial intelligence (AI) learning as part of a broader upskilling and reskilling Free Learning Resources Hub. 

Toronto, ON — [February 23, 2026] — eCampusOntario and Durham College announced a new partnership today to deliver the Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals micro‑course series, offered at no cost and integrated with eCampusOntario’s platforms:  the Ontario Micro‑Credentials Portal and Skills for Jobs Canada. The partnership advances a broader initiative to provide free, high‑quality resources that help Ontarians and Canadians build in‑demand skills and adapt to evolving labour market needs across the economy. The first modules in the series are now live, with a total of seven modules to be released. 

Across Canada, employers are seeking talent with digital proficiency and foundational AI literacy. At the same time, many learners need flexible, barrier‑free pathways to develop new skills while working or job searching. This partnership responds to that challenge by making bilingual, and accessible Free Learning available to anyone, anywhere, aligning with Ontario’s and Canada’s priorities around economic inclusion, workforce resilience, and lifelong learning. 

The modules are part of a broader selection of courses curated to address critical sectors affected by recent economic challenges. Through Skills for Jobs Canada , employers currently enrolled in the Federal Government’s Work Sharing Program can find training to help reskill displaced workers. The Government announced additional funding in support of the Work Sharing Program on February 17. 

Through this initiative, participants will progressively have access to a seven‑module, web‑based micro‑course series delivered across eCampusOntario platforms and developed by Durham College’s AI Hub, leveraging its expertise as an applied research centre dedicated to helping Canadian companies and learners understand and harness the full potential of AI. 

The AI Fundamentals series will feature: 

• Short, interactive modules (20–30 minutes) designed for non‑technical audiences, with practical examples and self‑assessments. 

• Bilingual (English/French) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA compliant for accessibility. 

• Labour‑market alignment using NOC/CIP (National Occupational Classification/Classification of Instructional Programs) frameworks to map learning to jobs and career pathways. 

• Open access via the Ontario Micro‑Credentials Portal and Skills for Jobs Canada , with listings that guide learners to begin modules immediately. 

• Digital credentialing to recognize learner achievement as the series scales. 

Robert Luke, CEO, eCampusOntario, said: 

“People need practical ways to build confidence with AI without cost or complexity. By working with Durham College’s AI Hub, we are making foundational AI learning easy to start and accessible to everyone. This partnership is part of our broader commitment to remove barriers and help learners across Ontario and Canada build the skills they need for work now and in the future.” 

Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College also commented: 

“As a future-focused institution committed to supporting lifelong learning, Durham College is proud to leverage our AI Hub’s expertise to transform innovative research into accessible AI courses with meaningful impact. By partnering with eCampusOntario, we are able to share these courses with learners across the country, helping to build confidence in AI literacy and gain the skills in this emerging technology demanded by an evolving workforce.”  

The partnership is expected to broaden access to essential AI literacy for learners across Ontario and Canada, strengthening talent pipelines in sectors where digital skills are increasingly required. As part of this work, eCampusOntario’s expanding Free Learning resources catalogue—now including student support resources tailored for lifelong and online learners nationwide—will continue to grow. Together, these resources create a more welcoming and flexible pathway for people looking to gain skills, transition careers, and advance in the workforce. 

More information about the initiative, including module listings and how to get started, is available at the Ontario Micro‑Credentials Portal and Skills for Jobs Canada. 

About eCampusOntario  

eCampusOntario is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, that supports innovation, collaboration and digital-by-design education in Ontario’s colleges, Indigenous Institutes, and universities. eCampusOntario provides the sector with platforms, programs and services to advance digital participation in postsecondary education, connecting Ontario’s postsecondary institutions and learners to the future of learning and work. 
Learn more and discover eCampusOntario’s initiative at www.ecampusontario.ca.   

About Durham College 

Durham College (DC) is dedicated to transforming lives, building careers and enriching communities. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Ontario, DC serves more than 11,370 full-time post-secondary students and 2,700 apprenticeship students across more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. 

With a focus on applied research, the AI Hub – one of five applied research Hubs of Excellence at DC – helps businesses and organizations adopt and benefit from artificial intelligence through applied research, custom AI solutions, and workforce development. It provides strategic support, student engagement opportunities, and real-world AI projects developed in collaboration with industry and community partners. 
Learn more about Durham College at www.durhamcollege.ca. 

Media contacts: 

Jason Northway-Frank 
Senior Manager, Governance and Public Relations, eCampusOntario 
jnorthway-frank@ecampusontario.ca  

Jessica Rivers 
Senior Communications Officer, Durham College 
jessica.rivers@durhamcollege.ca