Ottawa forges ‘AI nation’ with dual focus on economic growth and global safety
Canada’s approach to artificial intelligence is built on a simple idea: AI for all, says Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon. metamorworks via getty images
The Canadian government is escalating its efforts to solidify the country’s position as a global leader in artificial intelligence, moving past foundational research to focus on commercialization, adoption and responsible governance.
Driven by the multi-pillar Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS), the government’s push is leveraging significant public and private investment to transform homegrown expertise into widespread economic benefit and enhanced digital security.
The strategy, a co-investment with industry, anchors on three pillars: commercialization, standards and talent/research. A key part of this strategy is the injection of $60-million into the national AI institutes – Amii, Mila, and the Vector Institute – to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge machine learning into viable commercial applications for Canadian businesses.
Further, Scale AI, a federally funded AI innovation cluster, fosters innovation across key sectors including Canadian manufacturing and supply chains. The organization recently announced a $98.6 million total investment to support 23 new applied AI projects, promoting the adoption of made-in-Canada AI across the country.
Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon emphasized the strategic necessity of this national focus in a recent address.
“Advancing the safe adoption and accelerated development of AI in Canada – while strengthening our digital sovereignty – is essential to building the strongest economy in the G7,” he said. “Canada helped invent modern AI. The Government of Canada is committed to helping build the future with it – by Canadians, for Canadians and for the world.”
Recognizing that broad adoption requires public trust, the government has moved aggressively to establish responsible governance. The newly established Canadian AI Safety Institute (CAISI) is a central feature of this effort.
Working with the National Research Council and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, CAISI is dedicated to advancing the science of AI safety, studying risks posed by synthetic content and advanced AI systems that could hinder human oversight.
Canada is a founding member of the International Network of AI Safety Institutes, ensuring its domestic regulations are informed by international collaboration. These safety measures complement existing government actions, including the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (Bill C-27) and the Voluntary Code of Conduct for advanced generative AI.
Mr. Solomon’s mandate is not limited to domestic development. His recent international visits, including a successful trip to the UAE and Qatar in mid-October, highlight Canada’s commitment to projecting its values globally and securing trade ties in the digital economy.
During the trip, the minister signed an agreement with the UAE to facilitate investments in digital infrastructure and AI adoption.
“Canada’s approach to artificial intelligence is built on a simple idea: AI for all,” Mr. Solomon said following the visit. “Our goal is to ensure that this technology reflects our values, protects our values and projects our values to the world. Through strong international partnerships, we’re shaping a digital future that serves people, strengthens economies and builds trust across borders.”
By co-ordinating research, talent retention, commercialization and safety under one cohesive national strategy, Ottawa is actively transitioning Canada’s historical strength in AI research into a sustainable, competitive advantage that aims to benefit every sector of the Canadian economy.
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