Announcing Canada’s National AI Strategy – Building a Sovereign, Trusted, and Inclusive AI Future

Toronto, ON – June 6, 2026

We are excited to share the launch of Canada’s new national artificial intelligence strategy, AI for All. This ambitious initiative marks a major step forward in ensuring that AI technologies are developed, deployed, and governed in ways that reflect Canadian values, strengthen our economy, and benefit every Canadian.

How the Strategy Will Work

• Guiding Principles: The strategy is anchored in building trust, creating opportunities, and reinforcing Canadian sovereignty over AI infrastructure and data.
• Canadian- Based AI Infrastructure: Canada will invest in building sovereign AI infrastructure, including a world-leading public supercomputer, expanded domestic data centres, and secure cloud services. This ensures that Canadian data and innovation remain under Canadian control, reducing reliance on foreign providers and enhancing national security.
• Legislation and Safeguards: New laws will modernize privacy protections, introduce online safety regimes, and establish a Canada Trusted AI Certification program to help citizens and businesses identify trustworthy AI products.

Government Plans and Rollout

• Major Investments: Over $2.3 billion will be committed to accelerate AI adoption, strengthen domestic capabilities, and build public trust.
• Phased Implementation: The rollout includes immediate investments in infrastructure, workforce training, and business supports, with ongoing updates to adapt to technological changes.
• AI Missions Program: The first mission will focus on healthcare, with $200 million dedicated to improving health outcomes. Additional missions will target sectors like energy, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing.
• Support for Businesses: Programs like the $500 million Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative and the $700 million Compute Access Fund will help businesses, especially SMEs, access AI tools, infrastructure, and expertise.

Citizen Participation

• AI Literacy for All: A National AI Literacy Initiative will provide free, accessible AI training to all Canadians, aiming to reach 1 million post-secondary students and thousands of educators. Public libraries and community organizations will be key partners in bringing AI learning to every region.
• Workforce Opportunities: Up to 90,000 AI- related jobs and work placements will be created for young Canadians, with additional support for mid-career upskilling and sector-specific training.
• Public Consultation: The strategy was shaped by over 11,000 submissions from Canadians, and ongoing feedback will continue to inform its evolution.

Impact on Businesses and Daily Life

• Business Transformation: The strategy aims to increase AI adoption among Canadian businesses from 12% to 60% by 2034, driving productivity, competitiveness, and innovation. Funding, tax incentives, and practical tools will help companies move from experimentation to enterprise-wide AI integration.
• Everyday Benefits: Canadians will see improvements in healthcare (faster diagnostics, reduced wait times), agriculture (precision farming), transportation (smarter logistics), and public services (more efficient government operations).
• Trust and Safety: Enhanced privacy protections, transparency measures, and AI safety standards will ensure that AI is used responsibly and safely in all aspects of life.

Government Funding for Interested Companies

• Direct Funding: Companies can access funding through the Regional AI Initiative, Compute Access Fund, and the Business Development Bank of Canada’s LIFT program.
• Commercialization Support: $130 million will be invested in commercialization programs at national AI institutes, and a $500 million Canadian Tech Growth Fund will help scale promising AI firms.
• Tax Incentives: The SR&ED tax credit and Productivity Super-Deduction will make AI innovation more affordable for businesses.