By: Alison Rutka
8 Apr, 2024
Federal government announces support for AI priorities
April 8, 2024
Government bolsters Canada’s AI computing capabilities, funds work on adoption, AI safety
CIFAR is pleased that the federal government has made ongoing investments in AI safety, adoption and infrastructure. On Sunday, April 7, the government hosted four announcements earmarking $350 million for AI adoption, $50 million in funding for AI safety and an additional $2 billion towards growing Canada’s AI infrastructure and computing capabilities.
Since 2017, the government has invested in the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, the first national AI strategy in the world, coordinated by CIFAR and delivered through the National AI Institutes (Amii in Edmonton, Mila in Montreal and the Vector Institute in Toronto). AI Safety is a critical area of research and is a central tenet of the Bletchley Declaration, to which Canada has committed its efforts.
“I am pleased that the government made these important additional investments in AI to build on the great work of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy,” said Stephen Toope, President & CEO of CIFAR. “There are many critical components to ensuring Canada has a strong ecosystem for AI research and development. Building in key areas like AI safety and ensuring we have a strong infrastructure to support this work will bolster Canada’s global leadership on AI.”
CIFAR has also championed support for more computing power within Canada, a critical linchpin of infrastructure necessary to supercharge Canada’s leadership in AI. The government’s investment in computing infrastructure will ensure Canadian researchers and businesses have access to high-performance chips and tools needed to develop the next-generation AI technologies, companies and jobs. This access is critical in advancing Canada’s interests in AI by harnessing key talent and innovations, strengthening Canada’s regional and national AI ecosystems and helping to ensure that the country remains productive and competitive.
“Quite simply, an investment in Canada’s AI computing environment is critical for this country to compete, innovate and commercialize advances in responsible AI,” said Elissa Strome, Executive Director of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy. “I am thrilled that the government is prioritizing the fundamentals that can help Canada remain a leader in AI.”
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