Ms. Saara Rahikka reports

TELUS WISE EXPANDS WITH NEW RESPONSIBLE AI ONLINE WORKSHOP FOR TEENS

Telus has expanded Telus Wise, launching its Telus Wise Responsible AI (artificial intelligence) on-line workshop. Coinciding with the celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Telus Wise, the Responsible AI workshop underscores the program's decade-long leadership in providing digital literacy education. According to a recent survey by KPMG, more than half of Canadian students over 18 regularly use AI and 81 per cent believe it will be a critical skill for the future, making it an opportune time to introduce education resources on the topic to support Canadian youth. Offered free of charge, the new on-line workshop was created in partnership with the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), helping teens better understand the AI landscape, including what it is, what it is capable of and, importantly, what it is not. The uniquely tailored AI workshop for teens is available on-line in English and French, and can be completed individually at home in about 60 minutes. Teachers can also share the workshop with students as a group in a classroom setting.

"As a global technology leader, we have a responsibility to ensure that our customers and communities not only have access to emerging technology, but are empowered to use it safely," says Jill Schnarr, chief social innovation, communications and brand officer, Telus. "Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this month, for the last decade Telus Wise has been at the forefront of empowering students, parents, educators and seniors with the tools, resources and information they need to stay safe in our increasingly digital world. The expansion into AI is a critical next step to help young Canadians navigate this rapidly evolving technology in a responsible manner."

"The explosive growth, and accelerated development and application of AI has the potential to fundamentally change the way we use technology to not only communicate, but live, work and access information. Our vision is that Canada will continue to have one of the most robust AI ecosystems in the world," says Elissa Strome, executive director, pan-Canadian AI strategy, CIFAR. "We're thrilled to partner with Telus Wise on the development of their AI workshop for youth, a complementary learning resource to CIFAR's bilingual on-line course Destination AI, where you can learn more about what AI is and how it impacts Canadians."

Since 2013, Telus Wise has delivered various interactive and innovative youth-focused workshops, including Telus Wise footprint, Telus Wise impact, Telus Wise in control and Telus Wise happiness. The program also offers workshops for adults, parents and seniors, further helping people of all ages have a positive experience on-line. Topics include protecting your on-line security, privacy and reputation, identity theft, rising above cyberbullying, digital well-being, artificial intelligence, and more. In addition, much of the content has been gamified using the Kahoot! platform, making learning about digital literacy and citizenship more engaging and fun. The program has also driven national campaigns to help end cyberbullying, supporting the Amanda Todd Legacy Society and the advocacy efforts of Amanda's mother Carol. With a commitment to leveraging technology, resources and compassion to help drive positive social change; since 2013, over 660,000 people have participated in the Telus Wise program, with 92 per cent of participants saying the initiative left them more empowered to stay safe on-line.

This newest workshop builds upon Telus's commitment to responsible AI -- in addition to this latest Telus Wise initiative, Telus is the first telecom company in Canada to sign ISED's (Innovation, Science and Economic Development) new voluntary code of conduct for generative AI, which seeks to ensure the transparent, equitable and responsible development of GenAI technology.

About Telus Corp.

Telus is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $18-billion in annual revenue and over 18 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, Internet protocol, voice, television, entertainment, video and security. Its social purpose is to leverage its global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Telus's long-standing commitment to putting its customers first fuels every aspect of its business, making the company a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades Telus has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of Telus's global-leading networks, reinforcing its commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects it to the people, resources and information that make lives better.

Operating in 32 countries around the world, Telus International is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds and delivers next-generation solutions, including artificial intelligence and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across high-growth industry verticals, including technology and games, communications and media, e-commerce and fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, health care, and others.

Telus Health is a global health care company, which provides employee and family preventive health care and wellness solutions. The company's Telus team, along with its 100,000 health professionals, is leveraging the combination of Telus's strong digital and data analytics capabilities with the company's unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering 67 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, Telus Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by its determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, Telus's deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where it lives has inspired Telus and its team to contribute $1.6-billion, including 2.2 million days of service, since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made Telus the most giving company in the world.