Tech leaders want detailed blueprint from Ottawa's delayed AI strategy
Canada's federal government is finishing a national AI strategy after a year of development and more than 11,000 submissions. Tech executives say they want specifics: measurable milestones, infrastructure plans, and a clear roadmap for how Ottawa will help the sector grow.
The strategy arrives as public concern about AI deepens. Job cuts at major companies, security questions about new AI models, and debates about AI's role in mass shootings have shifted the conversation. At U.S. university commencement ceremonies this spring, graduating students booed speakers promoting AI benefits.
The federal government released six pillars last month:
- Protecting Canadians and safeguarding democracy
- Empowering Canadians
- Powering AI adoption for shared prosperity
- Building a Canadian sovereign AI foundation
- Scaling Canadian champions
- Building trusted partnerships and global alliances
Federal AI Minister Evan Solomon said the government is focused on expanding AI infrastructure. Last week, Ottawa announced support for three new Telus data centres in British Columbia.
Executives want government to act as catalyst
Louis Têtu, executive chairman of Montreal-based AI platform Coveo, said Canada excels at science and innovation but often sees those developments monetized elsewhere. He wants the government to help keep Canadian AI technology and talent in Canada.
"I'm looking for the government to truly be a catalyst," Têtu said in an interview.
Mirko Bibic, chief executive of BCE Bell Canada, emphasized the need for measurable targets. Regulations matter as guardrails for industry, he said, but the strategy must go further with specific performance goals.
"For me, the key test will be: Is there appropriate ambition in the strategy? Is there a road map for what needs to be done?" Bibic said.
Data sovereignty and power demands loom large
Michael Arbus, CEO of digital trading platform Moomoo Canada, flagged a critical dependency: Canada relies heavily on U.S. firms like Amazon and Microsoft for cloud services and data storage.
Building sovereign AI infrastructure requires massive electricity. Arbus wants Ottawa to explain how it plans to expand power production and transmission through nuclear, hydroelectric, and natural gas sources.
The federal government has pledged a separate national electricity strategy with tens of billions in investment tax credits. A coordinated approach between the AI and electricity strategies could ensure adequate power for data centres while protecting consumer rates, Arbus said.
"Wouldn't it be grand to say in a few years that we're a net exporter of compute just like we are with natural resources as a country," he said.
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