In the latest economic update, the federal government has revealed the six key elements of its upcoming AI strategy. This document, which has been highly anticipated but faced repeated delays, is expected to outline Ottawa’s objectives for the advancing technology. The government aims to provide Canadians with safe and sovereign AI that promotes adoption, creates economic opportunities, enhances public services, and improves quality of life.
The six pillars of the strategy include protecting Canadians and preserving democracy, empowering citizens, fostering AI adoption for mutual prosperity, establishing a foundation for Canadian sovereign AI, supporting Canadian industry leaders, and forming reliable partnerships and global alliances. Although the details are limited, the pillars involve granting AI training and education access for all Canadians, implementing modern privacy and online safety laws, enhancing national AI safety capabilities, and securing government systems.
Canada plans to collaborate with trusted partners to align standards, invest in innovation, and assist Canadian companies in accessing global markets while upholding democratic values within the AI ecosystem. The exact release date of the strategy remains uncertain, as the 2025 federal budget mentioned the development of a new AI strategy without specifying its presentation time. AI Minister Evan Solomon indicated to the House of Commons science and research committee that the refreshed national AI strategy would be launched within this quarter.
Meanwhile, the federal government has made strides in AI development by calling for applications to construct Canada’s sovereign AI supercomputing infrastructure. This infrastructure aims to advance AI research and innovation on a large scale while safeguarding national interests. Solomon has engaged in discussions with Finnish and Norwegian officials to explore collaborations in expanding AI computing access and promoting environmentally responsible digital infrastructure.
As Canada seeks to expand its AI industry, questions persist about AI safety in light of the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Following discussions with OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, Solomon proposed including Canadian mental health and legal experts within OpenAI’s safety office. He also requested a detailed assessment of the company’s safety protocols by experts from the Canadian AI Safety Institute, a federal entity under his department.
In response to the Tumbler Ridge incident, B.C. Premier David Eby urged Ottawa to establish minimum thresholds for platforms to report violence threats to law enforcement. Altman issued an apology to Tumbler Ridge for failing to notify the RCMP about the shooter’s account, prompting further calls for improved safety measures. Provinces like Manitoba have taken steps to regulate AI by announcing a ban on youth access to AI chatbots, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards to protect individuals from online harms.
While provinces like Manitoba are implementing AI restrictions, B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma stressed the necessity of federal leadership in establishing effective safety standards for young Canadians. Heritage Minister Marc Miller confirmed that the government is contemplating restrictions on young Canadians’ access to social media and AI chatbots but has not yet made a final decision.