Protesters gathered outside Calgary’s City Hall on March 23, during the “Stand Up to AI” rally. They raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence in Alberta. (Photo by Jullianah Ejoc/SAIT)
While many teenagers think their opinions don’t matter, a group of Calgary youth attempted to prove otherwise last month at a rally to fight against artificial intelligence in any form.
“We should have a say on what happens here, especially because this is our future,” said Lane Koai, a protest organizer. “Once everything has been replaced by Al, what’s gonna happen?”
Protesters hold their signs as they chant about their concerns over artificial intelligence as passing vehicles honk in support. The demonstration continued for nearly an hour. Photo by Jullianah Ejoc/SAIT
Protesters hold their signs as they chant about their concerns over artificial intelligence as passing vehicles honk in support. The demonstration continued for nearly an hour. Photo by Jullianah Ejoc/SAIT
Protesters hold their signs as they chant about their concerns over artificial intelligence as passing vehicles honk in support. The demonstration continued for nearly an hour. Photo by Jullianah Ejoc/SAIT
Protesters hold their signs as they chant about their concerns over artificial intelligence as passing vehicles honk in support. The demonstration continued for nearly an hour. Photo by Jullianah Ejoc/SAIT
Protesters hold their signs as they chant about their concerns over artificial intelligence as passing vehicles honk in support. The demonstration continued for nearly an hour. Photo by Jullianah Ejoc/SAIT
Protesters hold their signs as they chant about their concerns over artificial intelligence as passing vehicles honk in support. The demonstration continued for nearly an hour. Photo by Jullianah Ejoc/SAIT
Protesters are photographed creating signs during the rally against artificial intelligence in Calgary, using art and messaging to voice their concerns. Sydney Rose, one of the organizers, brought materials and helped lead the sign-making. Photo by Jullianah Ejoc/SAIT
Protesters are photographed creating signs during the rally against artificial intelligence in Calgary, using art and messaging to voice their concerns. Sydney Rose, one of the organizers, brought materials and helped lead the sign-making. Photo by Jullianah Ejoc/SAIT
Ninety per cent of Canadians in Gen Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — have used AI in the past year, according to a 2025 study conducted by Telus.
With Gen Z being highly tech-savvy — and platforms like ChatGPT soaring in popularity — Canadian youth use AI more than any other age group.
“AI in media and education affected my work and limited the information given to me,” said Xavier Phipps, an admin lead of the protest. “Seeing how it weakened people’s critical thinking is what pushed us to protest.
“It can harm face-to-face social skills by acting like an echo chamber, replace jobs — especially in creative fields — and reduce media literacy and critical thinking.”
Protesters gather for a land acknowledgement and are briefed on the purpose of the rally and their rights before chanting begins. (Photo by Jullianah Ejoc/SAIT)
Protesters also raised concerns about artists being replaced and the expansion of data centres.
A protester holds a sign reading “Data centers will raise the cost of living — protect our land” during a protest against artificial intelligence and its impacts. (Photo by Jullianah Ejoc/SAIT)
Natural resources, cooler climate, lower taxes, business friendly policies and land make Alberta a lucrative target for data-centre developers.
A proposed data centre in Olds, about an hour north of Calgary, if built could become the largest in the country.
Alex Klein, a father of two, said he’s worried for his children and is skeptical about the future.
“We need technology… okay, but we need to be very careful what we’re getting into,” said Klein.
A young protester holds a sign during a demonstration against artificial intelligence and its impacts, reflecting the growing presence of youth voices in the movement. (Photo by Jullianah Ejoc/SAIT)
AI is a key tool in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), helping users in coding, data analysis, surveys and research. The technology simplifies complex tasks, reduces labour and lowers costs.
AI is already being used in cancer prevention and detection, offering a powerful new tool for researches and clinicians.
Regardless, protesters said the disadvantages far outweigh the benefits of AI.
“The hope overall is to raise awareness and have the public know that having a data centre within Alberta would really affect us,” said protester Sydney Rainbow. “It would affect the working class the most, let alone the younger generations that will have to live with the repercussions.”
