Universities Canada statement on release of the national AI strategy

Universities Canada is pleased that Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All recognizes universities as essential partners in achieving Canada’s AI ambitions.

Canada’s success in AI will depend on people as much as technology. As the primary drivers of AI talent development, research excellence and innovation, Canada’s universities play a critical role in translating AI breakthroughs into economic growth, real-world impact and ensuring AI is developed and applied responsibly and ethically. This includes the contributions of researchers and students across the humanities and social sciences, whose work helps shape the ethical, social, cultural and policy dimensions of AI.

Realizing the strategy’s ambitions will require sustained implementation and ongoing collaboration between governments, universities, industry and community partners. Continued investments in talent, research capacity and enabling infrastructure will help ensure Canada can build on its AI strengths and deliver long-term economic and social benefits. Achieving the strategy’s objectives will also require strong pathways to translate Canadian research and innovation into economic and societal benefits.

The strategy takes important steps to strengthen Canada’s AI talent pipeline by expanding AI literacy, improving access to trusted AI tools for post-secondary students, creating pathways for up to 90,000 students and young Canadians to gain practical experience, supporting workforce upskilling and investing in talent and research excellence.

We are also encouraged by the strategy’s recognition of the importance of French-language AI and ensuring AI technologies perform effectively in both official languages.

Canada’s universities have helped build one of the world’s leading AI ecosystems through their research talent. The increase in the number of CIFAR AI Chairs is a welcome investment that will help strengthen Canada’s AI research capacity and support the next generation of talent. Continued investment in research excellence and talent development will be critical to sustaining Canada’s leadership and competitiveness in the years ahead.

Universities are uniquely positioned to support the strategy’s goals by advancing AI literacy, promoting responsible innovation and equipping Canadians to adapt to a rapidly changing world. As trusted public institutions, universities are also the ideal partners to host secure, sovereign compute and data infrastructure that strengthens Canada’s data sovereignty.

Canada’s universities are ready to partner with governments, industry and communities to help realize the strategy’s objectives. Together, we can build an AI future that drives innovation, creates opportunity, strengthens Canada’s competitiveness and delivers benefits for all Canadians.