The Canadian tech industry is eagerly awaiting the completion of the federal government’s national AI strategy, with calls for a comprehensive plan outlining how Ottawa will support sector growth. Over the past year, the government has been crafting its AI policy, analyzing over 11,000 submissions and consulting with a group of 28 experts. Recently, two AI advisory groups have been established to collaborate with cultural and union leaders.
Concerns around AI are on the rise, fueled by job losses at major corporations, security issues related to new AI models, and debates on the technology’s involvement in incidents like the Tumbler Ridge shooting in British Columbia. In the U.S., there has been a growing resistance to AI, with recent instances of graduating students booing speakers praising the benefits of AI at university ceremonies.
President Donald Trump’s administration in the U.S. dismantled existing AI regulations in a bid to prioritize innovation, but there have been shifts in approach, with talks of increased caution in deploying new AI models. Meanwhile, Canada is taking a meticulous approach to shaping its national AI strategy, emphasizing six key pillars, including safeguarding democracy, empowering citizens, and fostering global partnerships.
Canadian tech leaders are optimistic that the new strategy will not only support the AI industry but also expedite its advancement to position Canada as a leader in AI technology, talent, and companies. Executives stress the importance of expanding infrastructure, such as data centers and networks, and nurturing Canadian innovation to retain talent and capitalize on technological developments.
Key figures in the tech sector emphasize the need for a detailed roadmap within the federal strategy, highlighting the significance of measurable milestones and performance targets to guide sector growth effectively. There is a particular focus on enhancing Canada’s infrastructure to establish a sovereign AI system independent of foreign influences.
Efforts to achieve data sovereignty are gaining traction, with calls for reduced reliance on U.S. tech giants for digital and cloud services. Executives underscore the necessity of a comprehensive plan to address power demands for data centers, advocating for increased electricity production and transmission through diverse sources like nuclear and hydroelectric power.
The integration of a cohesive national electricity strategy with the AI plan is seen as pivotal to ensuring a stable power supply for data centers while safeguarding energy affordability for consumers. The aspiration is to establish Canada as a net exporter of computing power, akin to its status in natural resources, positioning the country as a leader in the evolving AI landscape.
