The federal government has revealed the six core elements of its upcoming AI strategy in the recent economic update. This strategic document, long-awaited but repeatedly postponed, is anticipated to outline Ottawa’s objectives for the advancing technology.
Outlined in the economic update, the federal government aims to provide Canadians with safe and sovereign AI technology that drives adoption, fosters economic opportunities, enhances public services, and elevates quality of life.
To achieve these goals, the government has identified six key pillars:
1. Ensuring the safety of Canadians and protecting democracy.
2. Empowering Canadians.
3. Facilitating AI adoption for mutual prosperity.
4. Establishing a Canadian sovereign AI foundation.
5. Supporting Canadian industry champions.
6. Cultivating trusted partnerships and global alliances.
Although details are scarce, the descriptions of these pillars emphasize granting AI training and education access to all Canadians, as well as implementing modern privacy laws, robust national AI safety capabilities, and secure government systems.
Furthermore, Canada plans to collaborate with various trusted partners to synchronize standards, co-invest in innovation, assist Canadian companies in accessing global markets, and shape an AI ecosystem rooted in democratic principles.
The exact release date of the strategy remains unknown. The 2025 federal budget mentioned the development of a new AI strategy by the end of that year without specifying a presentation timeline. AI Minister Evan Solomon informed MPs at the House of Commons science and research committee in February that the revamped national AI strategy would launch within the current quarter.
In parallel efforts, the federal government has made recent announcements related to AI advancement, including initiating a call for applications to construct Canada’s sovereign AI supercomputing infrastructure. This infrastructure is intended to bolster AI research and innovation within Canada while safeguarding national interests.
Solomon has engaged in discussions with Finnish and Norwegian officials to explore collaboration in expanding AI computing capacity and promoting environmentally responsible digital infrastructure.
In the context of scaling up Canada’s AI industry, concerns persist regarding AI safety following the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Solomon met with OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, after revelations that the shooter’s ChatGPT account had been flagged by the company prior to the devastating attack.
Following the incident, B.C. Premier David Eby urged Ottawa to establish minimum thresholds for reporting violence threats. Altman issued an apology to Tumbler Ridge for the oversight in alerting authorities about the shooter’s account.
Provincial initiatives are also emerging in AI regulation. Manitoba announced plans to ban youth from AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude, with B.C. emphasizing the need for stronger safety measures and minimum standards for young Canadians.
While provinces are taking steps, federal leadership is considered crucial for effective safety measures. Heritage Minister Marc Miller highlighted ongoing considerations about restricting young Canadians’ access to social media and AI chatbots, underscoring the government’s serious approach to the matter.