Canada unveils national AI strategy with goal of creating 90,000 AI-related jobs by 2031

The federal government has released a new national artificial intelligence strategy aimed at expanding Canada's AI sector, increasing business adoption of the technology, and creating new employment opportunities across the country.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon unveiled the strategy in Toronto on Thursday. According to the government, the plan includes a $2.3 billion investment intended to strengthen Canada's position in the global AI industry.

The strategy sets a target of creating 90,000 AI-related jobs and work opportunities for Canadians by 2031. The government also says broader adoption of AI technologies could help support the creation of an additional 2.5 million jobs across the economy.

Under the plan, Canada aims to increase AI adoption among businesses from the current 12 per cent to 60 per cent by 2034. The government says the goal is to improve productivity and economic competitiveness while encouraging innovation in both public and private sectors.

The strategy also includes plans to establish a world-leading supercomputer by 2031 and expand data centre capacity to 100 megawatts as part of efforts to strengthen Canada's technological sovereignty. Canadians will also receive free access to AI literacy training programs.

The government has proposed new legislation aimed at protecting privacy and children's personal information in AI systems. However, a potential ban on AI chatbots for children under 16 was not included in the strategy. Officials said that issue remains under review.