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AI minister says Canada must harness emerging technology at home

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 19:07 GMT by Toronto Star
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Canada’s AI Minister Calls for a Home‑grown Tech Boom

In a speech delivered last week in Ottawa, Dr. Jane Doe, the newly appointed Minister of Science and Digital Innovation, laid out an ambitious vision for Canada’s artificial‑intelligence (AI) ecosystem. At a press conference that drew representatives from federal agencies, universities, and leading AI firms, the minister warned that the country must “harness emerging technology at home” or risk falling behind its global rivals. The speech, widely reported in the Toronto Star, outlined a multi‑pronged strategy that combines increased funding, talent development, ethical oversight, and a clear policy framework aimed at positioning Canada as a world‑class AI hub.

The Stakes of the Global AI Race

Dr. Doe began by emphasizing Canada’s unique position in the AI landscape: “We have world‑class researchers, a strong industrial base, and a population that is highly educated. Those are assets we must amplify, not outsource.” She cited the “AI‑Race” that has unfolded in the last decade, with the United States, China, and the European Union investing billions into AI research, startup incubation, and regulatory frameworks. The minister pointed out that while Canadian universities routinely publish groundbreaking research, the country’s private sector has lagged in translating those discoveries into commercial products.

According to the speech, Canada currently has a federal AI budget of $1.2 billion over the next five years, a figure she described as a “first step” that must be amplified. In an effort to create a more robust “pipeline” for AI talent, the minister announced a new partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) to launch a $300 million initiative that will fund interdisciplinary AI research across health, agriculture, and clean technology.

Building a Domestic Talent Engine

One of the minister’s central points was the need to build an AI workforce that can keep pace with the technology’s rapid evolution. She highlighted an upcoming pilot program that will expand AI residency and fellowship opportunities at major Canadian research universities—most notably the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University. The program aims to provide a “structured path” from graduate studies to industry roles, offering stipends and guaranteed job placements for graduates.

“Canada must become a magnet for talent, not a source of brain drain,” Dr. Doe said. The minister referenced the recently signed “AI Talent Mobility Act,” which includes provisions to streamline work visas for skilled AI professionals, reduce the processing time for Canadian citizens moving abroad for research, and create a cross‑border talent exchange program with the United States and Europe.

Regulatory Framework and Ethical Governance

Beyond funding and talent, Dr. Doe underscored the importance of a coherent regulatory approach. She announced the establishment of a new “National AI Ethics Council,” a body that will comprise experts from academia, industry, civil society, and government. The council’s mandate is to develop a set of AI governance standards that balance innovation with privacy, accountability, and social welfare.

The minister referenced Canada’s existing Digital Charter, which was last updated in 2019, and the recently introduced “AI Transparency Act.” The latter requires AI systems used in public services to provide “explainable” outputs and a mechanism for citizens to challenge algorithmic decisions. She warned that “regulatory lag” could erode public trust, particularly in sensitive areas such as health diagnostics and criminal justice.

Industry Partnerships and Investment

The speech also detailed strategic collaborations with the private sector. Dr. Doe announced a new “AI Innovation Hub” in Toronto’s Innovation District, where government labs, venture capital firms, and AI startups will co‑locate to accelerate the commercialization of research. The hub will receive a $150 million grant from the federal government, matched by a $300 million contribution from the private sector. The minister highlighted a pilot partnership with Shopify and DeepMind Canada, which will focus on developing AI‑driven supply‑chain optimization tools.

She also cited the “AI for Good” initiative, which was launched last year in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. The project funds AI solutions for climate change mitigation, disaster response, and sustainable agriculture. The minister expressed optimism that the initiative will not only generate social impact but also spur economic growth.

International Cooperation and Standards

Recognizing that AI is inherently transnational, Dr. Doe emphasized Canada’s commitment to shaping international AI norms. She referenced Canada’s participation in the OECD’s AI Policy Observatory and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI). The minister called for an “AI Accord” that will set global standards for data sharing, algorithmic fairness, and cross‑border data flow. She highlighted the upcoming G20 summit, where Canada will advocate for a “human‑centric” approach to AI governance.

Public Reaction and Critiques

The minister’s vision has received both praise and criticism. Some industry leaders applauded the increased funding and the emphasis on ethics, arguing that Canada can leapfrog competitors if it adopts a balanced approach. Critics, however, have pointed out that the proposed budgets may be insufficient given the scale of global AI investment. A senior researcher at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) warned that “without a sustained commitment beyond the next five years, Canada risks losing its lead in fundamental AI research.”

The Road Ahead

Dr. Jane Doe concluded her address by urging all Canadians to “embrace the possibilities of AI while safeguarding our values.” She pledged that the federal government will release a detailed “National AI Roadmap” within the next six weeks, outlining specific projects, timelines, and metrics for success. The roadmap will incorporate input from academia, industry, and civil society to ensure a comprehensive approach.

For more in-depth analysis, the Toronto Star’s article linked to the full PDF of the “National AI Strategy” on the government’s open data portal, a link that was updated in April 2024. Readers can also find the AI Ethics Council’s draft guidelines on the Canada.ca website, which will be publicly available for comment in the coming months.

In sum, Canada’s AI Minister has set a clear direction: bolster domestic research, attract and retain talent, embed ethical standards into the regulatory framework, and engage internationally to shape the future of AI. Whether the country can meet the challenge will depend on the continued alignment of government policy, private investment, and public trust in an increasingly automated world.