PM Carney unveils federal AI strategy in Toronto
The government's blueprint aims to build public trust, support workers, and establish Canada as a leader in artificial intelligence development.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the federal government's artificial intelligence strategy Thursday in Toronto, touring an AI institute and meeting with researchers as he rolled out the plan.
The strategy addresses how governments, businesses, and civil society navigate rapid machine-learning development and tools processing information almost instantly — with varying accuracy.
Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon said the government's approach will focus on building public trust in AI, empowering workers, and helping build Canada's competitive edge. New privacy and online safety laws will anchor that trust-building effort.
The plan also targets sovereign digital infrastructure, support for Canadian companies, international co-ordination, and training and education for Canadians.
The timing matters: Canada is watching hyperscale data centres multiply across the country — 96 new facilities announced or under construction, according to recent research. Alberta is becoming the epicentre, with available energy and government incentives drawing investment. Public sentiment is mixed; polling shows 68 per cent of Canadians would oppose a large AI data centre within a few blocks of their home.