The federal government is introducing a sweeping national artificial intelligence strategy aimed at accelerating adoption, strengthening economic competitiveness and expanding Canada’s digital sovereignty.
Prime Minister Mark Carney launched the “AI for All” strategy in Toronto on June 4, describing artificial intelligence as central to global economic change and Canada’s future prosperity.
The plan sets out new legislation, investments and programs over the next five years focused on increasing AI adoption across sectors, expanding workforce training, and building domestic infrastructure, including sovereign computing and cloud capacity. The government says the strategy is designed to close Canada’s AI adoption gap and ensure more of the economic benefits remain in the country.
The initiative targets major economic growth tied to AI expansion and calls for hundreds of thousands of AI-related jobs and training opportunities for Canadians, alongside efforts to increase adoption across industry from current levels to a majority of businesses over the next decade.
“AI is here. The question is whether it will improve the lives of all Canadians or benefit only a few. AI can shorten our emergency room wait times and make a small business more competitive, if it is governed by Canadian values with a clear goal of improving the lives of all Canadians. That’s why we need an ambitious new strategy: AI for All. We will build trust so that all Canadians are empowered to use this technology safely and with confidence. AI that builds Canada strong for all: that is our mission,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The strategy includes a national AI literacy initiative intended to provide foundational training to students and educators, alongside broader access to AI tools in post-secondary institutions. It also proposes up to 90,000 AI-related job placements for young Canadians and expanded upskilling programs for workers adapting to AI-driven workplaces.
“Canada’s new AI for All Strategy is about putting artificial intelligence to work for Canadians. It will give people the confidence to use AI safely, help businesses adopt it, and ensure more of the value is created here at home. This is how we protect people, grow our economy, reflect our values, and deliver real benefits in everyday life,” said Evan Solomon, minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
The government also outlined plans to support small and medium-sized businesses adopting AI, alongside a national “AI Missions Program” beginning with health care, aimed at improving diagnostics, patient care and system efficiency.
“Canada’s AI future is powered by workers. As AI is changing the future of work, we are supporting workers to adapt with it. Through this new AI strategy, we’re equipping workers with the tools they need to strengthen their skills and helping them seize new opportunities in an AI-enabled economy,” said Patty Hajdu, minister of jobs and families and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
On the infrastructure side, the strategy calls for a public AI supercomputer and expanded sovereign compute capacity, as well as measures to strengthen Canadian AI firms through procurement, access to capital and intellectual property protections. It also includes expanded international partnerships intended to support research, talent exchange and industry growth.
“Canada’s AI future is powered by workers. As AI is changing the future of work, we are supporting workers to adapt with it. Through this new AI strategy, we’re equipping workers with the tools they need to strengthen their skills and helping them seize new opportunities in an AI-enabled economy,” said Patty Hajdu, minister of jobs and families and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
The government says the approach is designed to ensure artificial intelligence is developed and deployed safely while reflecting Canadian values, protecting data and strengthening long-term economic sovereignty.
