Meanwhile Bunny Shaw was part of a Jamiaca side that was beaten 1-0 by South Korea in another Saturday international friendly.
City duo Kennedy and Fowler were part of a Matildas side that created a host of opportunities at Lang Park in front of a crowd of more than 25,000 but which found Canadian keeper Kailen Sheridan in inspired form.
Ultimately, however, Olympic champions Canada secured the victory thanks to a spectacular 11th minute strike from Adriana Leon.
The Canadian forward rifled in a shot from outside the area that nestled in the top corner after Australia had failed to clear a free-kick.
Striker Fowler played the full 90 minutes while central defender Kennedy was replaced just before half-time.
Australia will have the opportunity to try and gain revenge when the two sides feature again in a second friendly on Tuesday.
Meanwhile there was also frustration for Shaw and her Jamaican team-mates as a 13th minute goal from Choe Yu-ri proved decisive at the Hwaseong Stadium in South Korea.
