As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues to unveil spending disclosures ahead of a new budget, Canada is embarking on an initiative to boost its artificial intelligence sector by launching a portfolio dedicated to this endeavor. Additionally, a new AI security institute is in the works.
The government introduced a comprehensive C\(2.4 billion (US\)1.8 billion) package aimed at advancing artificial intelligence on Sunday. The focal point of this initiative is a C\(2 billion (US\)1.47 billion) allocation for enhancing “computing skills and technical network” capabilities to expedite the efforts of AI analysts, startups, and various organizations, as outlined in a recent address.
In alignment with the address, supplementary funds will be allocated to drive the integration of AI across sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized that this investment “will unlock the full potential of AI, enabling Canadians, especially the youth, to secure well-paying jobs, elevate our productivity, and foster economic growth.”
Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, Francois-Philippe Champagne, accompanied by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, visited the Scale AI headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, on Sunday. (Photo: News)
The head of the Council of Canadian Innovators, Benjamin Bergen, expressed a desire for more specifics on how businesses can access the computing resources and equipment provided by the government. He remarked, “If this initiative equips Canadian enterprises to compete globally, today’s announcement marks a positive stride forward.”
The announcement regarding the establishment of the Canadian AI Safety Institute was made in Montreal, a city that has emerged as a hub for AI research, thanks to the contributions of renowned AI researcher Yoshua Bengio. Bengio, alongside Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, advocated for a pause in the development of powerful AI models in the upcoming year. Addressing concerns about the trajectory of AI, Bengio commended the proposed $50 million budget allocation for the Canadian AI Safety Institute, positioning Canada at the forefront of this transformative technology.
While Canada is still in the process of formulating legislation to regulate AI, the Parliamentary committee on the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act is actively deliberating on this matter, despite its passage in 2022.
According to official records, Canada boasted over 140,000 active AI specialists last year, with AI-related investments comprising approximately 30% of total venture capital activity in 2022, amounting to around C$8.6 billion.
In a bid to tackle the housing crisis, Trudeau has proposed the construction of 3D-printed homes in Canada.
Economy Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne revealed to Bloomberg News in March that non-Canadian companies looking to invest in critical sectors like AI and quantum computing will soon be required to notify the government in advance. This measure aims to allow the government to assess the investment’s implications for national security and potentially restrict the influx of Chinese capital into Canadian enterprises.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is slated to unveil the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 on April 16, with the government already initiating partial disclosures in advance of the official budget release.
