Feedback will inform the development and implementation of
measures related to Budget 2024's $2
billion investment to boost Canada's sovereign AI data processing
capacity
OTTAWA,
ON, June 26, 2024 /CNW/ - Artificial
intelligence (AI) is one of the greatest technological
transformations of our age, and it offers transformative
opportunities for economic development and productivity
enhancements, as well as new opportunities for workers in every
sector. To capitalize on these opportunities in a safe and secure
way, Canadian researchers and companies will require considerable
access to advanced and high-performing computing power, or
"compute." The Government of Canada seeks to build on Canada's leadership in AI and increase
domestic access to the compute power that researchers and AI
developers require for training and deployment.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe
Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry,
announced the Consultation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Compute,
which will help inform the design and implementation of a new
AI Compute Access Fund and a Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy
proposed in Budget 2024. The consultation includes the AI
Blueprint, a discussion paper that outlines Canada's opportunity and ambition on AI.
The consultation will engage Canadian researchers, innovators
and businesses in identifying the best strategies for investing in
Canada's AI future, and it will be
carried out through a range of means and venues, including online.
The government will also engage civil society, Indigenous groups
and other interested stakeholders.
Through this consultation, the Government of Canada is taking steps to ensure Canadian
organizations, businesses and researchers have access to the
compute capacity they need to safeguard Canadian data and
intellectual property while pursuing advanced AI.
The government is steadfast in securing Canada's world-leading AI advantage to create
economic growth and well-paying opportunities for generations to
come. AI is a rapidly growing sector, and through this
consultation, we will help ensure a fair chance for every
generation to succeed in this pivotal field.
Quote
"Artificial intelligence offers workers and business incredible
opportunity, and Canada has
proudly always been a leader. This consultation will harness
Canadian leadership, from researchers to end users, to help make
sure that Canada continues to keep
its advantage and that our economy is well positioned to take
advantage of all the opportunities of AI. This will strengthen and
secure Canada's AI advantage and
domestic access to compute power."
– The Honourable François-Philippe
Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Quick facts
- The consultation will be open from June
26 to September 6, 2024.
- All organizations are invited to participate in this
consultation so as to maximize the benefits of this $2 billion investment and ensure sustainable
access to sovereign compute capacity. Following completion of the
consultation, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
will publish a "What We Heard Report" summarizing the feedback
received.
- Since the 1980s, Canada has
been a leader in AI, made possible by its deep talent, its leading
innovation and the scientific discoveries of Canadian
researchers.
- Insufficient domestic computing capacity exposes Canadian
researchers and firms to fragile international supply chains for AI
computing power, posing challenges in terms of cost, security of
access, and the privacy and security of Canadian data.
- Budget 2024 announced $2 billion
over five years to launch a new AI Compute Access Fund and a
Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy, which will provide Canadian
researchers and AI companies with the tools needed to be
competitive in a rapidly advancing global landscape.
- Budget 2024 also proposed $50
million to create an AI Safety Institute of Canada to ensure the safe development and
deployment of AI.
- The Government of Canada is
supporting the responsible development and adoption of AI across
the Canadian economy through a suite of measures—including the
Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (Bill C-27) and the Voluntary
Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of
Advanced Generative AI Systems.
- In 2017, Canada was the first
country to establish a national AI strategy. The Pan-Canadian
Artificial Intelligence Strategy is helping Canada maintain its position as a world leader
in AI, businesses be more competitive and Canadians benefit from
growth in the digital economy. Phase 2 of the strategy was
announced in 2022, with funding of more than $443 million.
Associated links
- Artificial intelligence ecosystem
- Consultation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Compute
- Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy
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