Canada launches national AI strategy, targets 250,000 jobs and $200 billion economic boost

Prime Minister Mark Carney launched the AI for All strategy, a sweeping plan that combines new legislation, workforce training, infrastructure investments and support for domestic AI companies as Ottawa seeks to strengthen Canada's position in the rapidly expanding global AI economy.

The government said the strategy aims to increase AI adoption among Canadian businesses from just over 12% today to 60% by 2034 while creating up to 90,000 AI-related jobs and work placements for young Canadians.

The announcement comes as countries around the world race to secure AI talent, computing power and technological leadership. While Canada has been a pioneer in AI research and talent development, officials acknowledged the country has lagged in commercial adoption of the technology.

"AI is here. The question is whether it will improve the lives of all Canadians or benefit only a few," Carney said in a statement. He said the strategy would ensure AI is developed and deployed in line with Canadian values while creating economic opportunities.

A central pillar of the plan is the construction of a government-backed AI supercomputer and investments in domestic computing and cloud infrastructure.

According to the statement, the move is designed to reduce reliance on foreign technology providers and ensure Canadian researchers and companies have access to the computing power needed to develop advanced AI systems.

The strategy also includes plans to modernise digital regulations, strengthen privacy protections and introduce measures to address risks such as deepfakes, online harms and the misuse of personal data.

To expand AI skills, Ottawa will launch a National AI Literacy Initiative that aims to provide training to one million post-secondary students and more than 3,000 educators.

The government also plans to offer AI-related training and upskilling programmes for workers and expand pathways for highly skilled international talent.

Small and medium-sized businesses will receive support to adopt AI technologies, while a new AI Missions Program will focus on accelerating AI deployment in sectors such as healthcare, energy, transportation, agriculture and manufacturing.

The strategy also includes measures to support Canadian AI companies through improved access to capital, government procurement opportunities and intellectual property protections.

The government said the initiative is intended to strengthen Canada's economic competitiveness and technological sovereignty as the global AI market is projected to reach nearly US$5 trillion by 2033.

The plan builds on Canada's longstanding role in AI research through institutions such as the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research and comes amid increasing competition from the United States, China and Europe to attract AI investment, talent and innovation.