More than $100,000 is being provided to help contact centre workers in New Brunswick learn how to use artificial intelligence.
The provincial government has committed $101,425 through Opportunities NB and the Department of Post‑Secondary Education, Training and Labour, according to a government release.
The McKenna Institute is leading the project with Contact NB and other partners.
The effort is part of a larger $232,800 program that also includes funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Mitacs and Contact NB. It began in September and will continue until September 2026.
Luke Randall, minister responsible for Opportunities NB, said the project is meant to prepare businesses for emerging technology.
“By supporting projects that empower the adoption of technologies like AI, we’re strengthening one of New Brunswick’s key industries and ensuring our province continues to lead in digital transformation and customer service excellence,” Randall said.
The McKenna Institute and Contact NB will deliver training programs to help employees understand how AI can be used in customer care, decision‑making and innovation.
The goal is to improve efficiency while creating opportunities for workers to adapt to a changing digital economy.
Frank McKenna, founder of the institute, said the project is designed to keep people central to the industry. “The true promise of AI lies in helping people work smarter, not replacing them,” McKenna said.
Fredericton‑Oromocto MP David Myles, speaking on behalf of federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser, said the federal government is supporting the project through ACOA.
“This project helps New Brunswick’s contact centre workers grow with AI, not be replaced by it,” Myles said.
“It makes businesses more efficient, supports local jobs, and helps people adapt to new technology so they’re not left behind as AI changes the way we work.”
