Brampton, Ont. — Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University has launched a new national program aimed at introducing more girls and gender-diverse youth to cybersecurity through interactive, game-based learning.
The initiative, called CyberStart Canada, is designed for high school girls, young women, and non-binary students, with a focus on improving cyber awareness while helping close the gender gap in a field where women remain significantly underrepresented.
The program is funded by Public Safety Canada through its Cyber Security Cooperation Program, with additional support from the SANS Institute. Organizers say the use of gamification will help participants build practical cyber skills while sparking interest in long-term careers in the sector.
In its first year, CyberStart Canada is expected to engage about 700 students from Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, with plans to expand nationwide the following year. Alongside the CyberStart online game, participants will have access to career talks, workshops, and ongoing engagement activities throughout the program.
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said the initiative goes beyond workforce development. He noted that the program will also address topics such as digital citizenship, online safety, and respectful behavior in digital spaces, while providing educators with tools to introduce cybersecurity concepts without requiring technical backgrounds.
The launch comes as the cybersecurity sector faces both workforce shortages and growing online risks. Women currently account for about 21 percent of cybersecurity jobs in North America, with even lower representation at senior levels. At the same time, young people, particularly girls and LGBTQ2S+ youth, are increasingly exposed to cyber threats as more daily activities move online.
Canada’s labor gap remains a pressing concern, according to industry leaders. “There are more than 25,000 unfilled cybersecurity roles across the country,” said Charles Finlay, founding executive director of the Catalyst. He said early exposure and confidence-building are key to encouraging more women to consider cybersecurity careers.
Organizers describe CyberStart Canada as both a skills-building pipeline and a public education effort, positioning cybersecurity as an essential life skill and a viable career path.