Federal government's new AI strategy will emphasize trust, minister says

Canada's new artificial intelligence strategy will prioritize trust as a core principle, according to Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon. Solomon said the plan, to be released later this week, will also focus on empowering workers and strengthening Canada's AI ecosystem. He stressed that forthcoming privacy and online-safety laws will be central to building public confidence in the technology.

Solomon said he is leading a new bill to update Canada's private-sector privacy legislation, while Culture Minister Marc Miller handles an online-harms bill. He noted collaboration with Justice Minister Sean Fraser and suggested the legislation will protect children's safety and Canadians' privacy and data. The government aims for comprehensive legislation that underpins the AI strategy and other initiatives, with timing to be announced after the strategy's release.

Other elements in the strategy include sovereign compute infrastructure, support for Canadian AI firms, and international coordination. The plan is expected to include AI training and education for Canadians and to assess impacts on the labour market. Industry and labor officials were quizzed as to readiness, with Jobs Minister Hajdu emphasizing preparation for technological and economic shifts.