Announcement Highlights

The Government of Canada has launched an AI Strategy Task Force and a public input process to guide the development of its next national AI strategy. According to Yahoo Finance, this initiative seeks to gather insights from researchers, industries, civil society, and the public to direct priorities such as responsible development, commercialization, skills and talent, and leveraging AI for social good (Yahoo Finance).

This development builds on Canada’s Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, first introduced in 2017 and implemented by CIFAR, which has positioned Canada as a global leader in AI research and training through institutes like Mila (Montreal), the Vector Institute (Toronto), and Amii (Edmonton). The strategy’s second phase, announced in 2022, committed $443.8 million over 10 years to enhance research, talent, and commercialization across the nation (CIFAR).

Importance of Timing

AI has transitioned from research settings to everyday applications. Generative AI systems, data-driven tools in healthcare and finance, and industrial automation are transforming how we learn and work. Canada’s Task Force and public consultation come at a crucial time when nations are revising their strategies to benefit from AI while mitigating risks like bias, misinformation, safety, privacy, and intellectual property.

Canada is well-equipped, with strong research foundations and a pioneering policy stance, being the first country to establish a national AI strategy in 2017 (CIFAR). Since then, the government has proposed the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) under Bill C-27 to regulate high-impact AI systems (ISED – Bill C-27 overview) and introduced a voluntary code of conduct for developers of advanced generative AI systems (ISED – Voluntary Code), alongside significant funding earmarked in Budget 2024 to bolster computing capacity and support AI adoption (Budget 2024).

On a global scale, regulatory frameworks are evolving rapidly. The EU has enacted a comprehensive AI Act, the United States is advancing federal guidance through an AI executive order and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, while the UK is adopting a flexible, sector-led approach focusing on AI safety. Canada’s upcoming strategy must align with these international trends while taking domestic priorities into account (EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF, UK AI Safety Summit).

Integrating into Canada’s AI Framework

To understand the future direction of Canada’s AI strategies, consider how these components fit together:

• Pan-Canadian AI Strategy: Initiated in 2017 and facilitated by CIFAR, this strategy funds research chairs, graduate training, and three eminent AI institutes: Mila, Vector, and Amii. Phase 2, launched in 2022, extends funding for commercialization and societal impacts (CIFAR).
• Legislation and Safeguards: AIDA, as part of Bill C-27, introduces risk-based regulations for high-impact AI applications, focusing on safety, transparency, and accountability. The voluntary code promotes safety-by-design practices ahead of formal regulations (ISED – Bill C-27, ISED – Voluntary Code).
• Investment and Infrastructure: Budget 2024 allocates $2.4 billion to enhance AI computing capabilities, support startups and scale-ups, and facilitate responsible AI adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises (Budget 2024).

These elements are connected through the new Task Force and public engagement process, aimed at creating a practical, inclusive, and internationally aligned national AI plan.

Potential Focus Areas for the AI Strategy Task Force

While the specific membership and timelines will be determined by the government, several priority areas are evident from Canada’s recent initiatives and global best practices:

• Safety and Trust: Establishing clear guidelines for testing, evaluation, and continuous monitoring of high-impact systems in accordance with AIDA and the voluntary code, informed by standards like the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (NIST AI RMF).
• Compute and Infrastructure: Ensuring accessible, secure, and environmentally friendly computing resources for researchers, startups, and public-interest projects, consistent with Budget 2024 commitments (Budget 2024).
• Talent and Skills: Enhancing training opportunities for students and mid-career professionals while improving pathways for underrepresented groups and retaining top researchers in the region (CIFAR).
• Commercialization: Supporting Canadian businesses in translating AI research into market-ready products across sectors such as healthcare, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing, while fostering responsible data practices.
• Public-Sector Adoption: Utilizing AI to enhance government services and productivity, with a focus on safeguards ensuring privacy, transparency, and equity, aligned with Canada’s digital government standards.
• Inclusion and Societal Impact: Addressing bias, accessibility, and the broader social implications of automation, including workforce transitions and community effects, while adhering to international principles like the OECD AI Principles (OECD AI Principles).
• Standards and International Collaboration: Actively participating in setting standards and coordinating with global partners to assure interoperability and proportionate, risk-based oversight.

These priorities highlight a critical reality: the upcoming strategy must empower innovation while prioritizing safety and ensuring that AI benefits are accessible to all communities across Canada.

How Public Engagement Will Operate

The government has indicated a comprehensive consultation approach that will include online feedback mechanisms and targeted discussions with key stakeholders. Expect opportunities for individuals, researchers, startups, businesses, civil society organizations, and provincial and territorial partners to share their views on priorities, risks, and measures of success (Yahoo Finance).

National consultations typically involve:

• Online surveys to capture insights on priorities, risks, and trade-offs.
• Roundtables and workshops with experts, practitioners, and communities affected by AI.
• Written contributions from organizations, academic institutions, and industry groups.
• Regional sessions to ensure diverse perspectives from all corners of Canada.

Further details and timelines will be announced by the federal government. If you work with AI, utilize AI in your organization, or are affected by AI in your community, this is an excellent opportunity to make your voice heard.

Current Standing of Canada

Canada combines outstanding research capabilities with a burgeoning innovation economy:

• Research Leadership: Canadian institutions have been at the forefront of advancements in deep learning, reinforcement learning, and responsible AI. The Pan-Canadian AI Strategy supports over 100 Canada CIFAR AI Chairs and thousands of researchers across the three institutes (CIFAR).
• Policy Foundations: Both AIDA and the voluntary code of conduct are steering Canada towards risk-based oversight and safety-first practices in AI development and deployment (ISED – Bill C-27, ISED – Voluntary Code).
• Investment: The $2.4 billion commitment in Budget 2024 aims to enhance computing resources, support commercialization, and foster responsible adoption, while expanding opportunities nationwide (Budget 2024).

The forthcoming strategy must create a link from Canada’s research strengths to practical and trustworthy AI implementations in businesses, public services, and communities.

Upcoming Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities

• Boosting Productivity and Growth: AI can assist Canadian companies in adopting advanced manufacturing practices, optimizing energy systems, and enhancing operations in logistics and finance. Small and medium-sized enterprises can receive practical guidance for deployment with the right support.
• Public-Good Innovations: In healthcare, AI can enhance diagnostics and triage; in climate science, it can aid in risk forecasting and optimize energy grids; and in agriculture, it can support precision farming.
• Talent Development: Expanding transitions from academic programs to startups and public service can help retain more homegrown talent.
• Global Leadership on Safety: Canada has the potential to influence standards for testing, evaluation, and reporting incidents while remaining true to Canadian values.

Challenges

• Access to Computing Resources: Researchers and startups require affordable, secure computing. Budget 2024 addresses this need, but swift implementation and equitable access will be essential (Budget 2024).
• Regulatory Clarity: Businesses seek clear, proportionate guidelines aligned with international partners. The path AIDA takes through Parliament and the resulting regulations will influence trust and adoption in the sector (ISED – Bill C-27).
• Trust and Safety: Addressing bias, privacy, misinformation, and model risks will necessitate ongoing testing, monitoring, and transparency rather than relying solely on periodic audits.
• Inclusive Growth: Creating benefits for rural and remote communities, Indigenous peoples, and underrepresented demographics demands tailored programs and partnerships.
• Commercialization Gap: Moving research into viable products and scaling internationally poses ongoing difficulties for Canadian startups. Strategic capital, intellectual property initiatives, and procurement strategies can facilitate this process.

International Comparisons of Canada’s AI Strategy

Canada’s approach merges early investments in research with advancing regulations and a strong focus on inclusion and safety. Globally:

• The EU’s AI Act introduces a horizontal regulation categorizing AI by risk, imposing specific obligations for developers and operators (EU AI Act).
• The US is following a sector-specific strategy backed by the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and a federal order prioritizing safety, competition, and worker protections (NIST AI RMF).
• The UK adopts a proactive, regulator-led strategy, hosting global forums on frontier AI safety (UK AI Safety Summit).

The upcoming strategy in Canada will likely seek interoperability with these frameworks while maintaining its unique balance of innovation and protection.

Implications for Various Stakeholders

For Businesses and Startups

• Look for initiatives that enhance access to computing, data, and expert guidance, particularly for small and medium enterprises.
• Embrace responsible AI practices early—utilize tools like model cards, risk evaluations, and security testing to prepare for evolving regulations.
• Seek collaborations with Canadian AI institutes and educational institutions to hasten R&D and talent development.

For Researchers and Educators

• Participate in consultations to express the need for open science, access to computing, and responsible data governance.
• Create curricula and micro-credentials that equip students and mid-career professionals for AI careers across various sectors.
• Engage in developing standards and evaluation methods that enhance safety and reproducibility.

For Policymakers and Civil Society

• Provide evidence on equity, labor implications, accessibility, and localized risks and benefits.
• Help develop pragmatic guidelines governing public-sector AI use, emphasizing transparency, human oversight, and accountability.
• Encourage public awareness efforts to foster AI literacy and informed participation.

For Everyday Users

• Share your thoughts and feedback during public consultations. How do you envision AI benefiting your community?
• Look for trustworthy indicators in AI tools, such as clear documentation, privacy safeguards, and avenues for recourse.

Future Watch List

• Task Force composition and role: Who will participate and how will it encompass perspectives from research, industry, civil society, and various regions.
• Consultation schedule: Dates for feedback opportunities, roundtables, and recommendation synthesis.
• AIDA legislative progress: Tracking Bill C-27 and its implications for regulation (ISED – Bill C-27).
• Programs for computing and infrastructure: Funding announcements, partnerships, and processes for allocating access under Budget 2024 initiatives (Budget 2024).
• Canada’s involvement in international coordination: Steps towards establishing standards, safety testing, and collaborating on cross-border AI risks and advantages.

Conclusion

Canada’s newly formed AI Strategy Task Force and public engagement reflect a commitment to developing a pragmatic, people-focused AI roadmap that fosters innovation while enhancing safety and trust. With strong research foundations, increased investments, and evolving regulations, Canada is in an excellent position to create a balanced future for AI. The success of the next strategy hinges on inclusive participation, transforming research capabilities into tangible societal benefits, and ensuring AI serves public interests across all provinces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AI Strategy Task Force?

This new federal entity will advise on Canada’s forthcoming national AI strategy, engaging experts and the public to recommend priorities concerning safety, infrastructure, talent, and commercialization, as noted in the government announcement reported by Yahoo Finance (Yahoo Finance).

How does this connect to the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy?

The Task Force builds upon the existing Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, as facilitated by CIFAR. The second phase, introduced in 2022, expanded support for research, training, and commercialization. The new consultation will help establish priorities for the next phase (CIFAR).

What is AIDA and what implications does it have for businesses?

The Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), part of Bill C-27, proposes regulations for high-impact AI systems, incorporating aspects like risk management, testing, transparency, and accountability. If enacted, it will lead to comprehensive regulations. Businesses should begin adopting responsible AI practices now (ISED – Bill C-27).

How can I engage in the public consultation?

Keep an eye out for the federal consultation portal along with various opportunities to contribute via surveys, roundtable discussions, and written submissions. The government’s announcement indicates widespread engagement across sectors (Yahoo Finance).

What funding opportunities exist for AI in Canada?

Budget 2024 allocates $2.4 billion aimed at bolstering computing resources, commercialization, and responsible adoption. Additional support is available via the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy and national AI institutes (Budget 2024, CIFAR).

Sources

1. Government of Canada launches AI Strategy Task Force and public engagement on the development of the next AI strategy – Yahoo Finance
2. CIFAR – Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy
3. Government of Canada – Budget 2024
4. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – Bill C-27 and AIDA overview
5. ISED – Voluntary Code of Conduct for Advanced Generative AI
6. European Commission – EU AI Act overview
7. NIST – AI Risk Management Framework
8. UK Government – AI Safety Summit 2023
9. OECD – AI Principles