Canada Seeks to Shape AI Future with Public Input and Strategy

The Canadian government is poised to define the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in its economy and public services through a national strategy expected in 2026. A recent federal report, titled *Engagements on Canada’s Next AI Strategy: Summary of Inputs*, outlines the diverse insights gathered during a public consultation held from October 1 to 31, 2025. This initiative marks a significant step in shaping the future of AI in Canada, capturing over 11,300 submissions from various stakeholders, including businesses, academics, and civil society.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) characterized the consultation as the largest public engagement effort the department has undertaken. The report reflects a broad spectrum of opinions on AI’s economic, social, and regulatory implications, although it leaves several pivotal decisions unresolved.

According to Benjamin Bergen, CEO of the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA) and member of the AI strategy task force, the government is recognizing AI as a comprehensive economic and societal issue. He emphasized that the consultation illustrates a concerted effort to integrate AI into Canada’s public policy framework.

Key Themes and Concerns

The report categorizes feedback into several focal areas, including research and talent, AI adoption across industry and government, and safety and trust. Key concerns emerged regarding the attraction and retention of AI talent, the transition from pilot projects to broader implementations, and the safeguarding of Canadian intellectual property.

Participants voiced apprehensions about the environmental impact of AI, job displacement, privacy issues, and reliance on foreign platforms. The feedback captured a dual sentiment of optimism regarding AI’s potential benefits and skepticism about its risks, highlighting the complexity of the conversation around AI in Canada. Bergen noted that this duality reflects a more mature discourse on the subject.

Critical Perspectives on the Consultation Summary

While the summary provides valuable insights, some experts, including Elena Yunusov, executive director of the Human Feedback Foundation, raised concerns about the nuances that may have been overlooked. Yunusov observed that the summary might have diluted some concrete proposals presented during the consultation, particularly regarding open-source solutions. This approach, which advocates for lower costs and reduced reliance on single vendors, was frequently mentioned in expert submissions but received minimal attention in the summary.

Yunusov argued that the lack of emphasis on open-source strategies is troubling, as such solutions could enable Canada to collaborate globally while maintaining independence. She stressed the need for a balanced strategy that addresses the roles of both commercial entities and civil society organizations, which are pivotal in delivering public services and fostering public trust.

The report acknowledges principles of equity, inclusion, and trust but provides limited specifics on how these will be translated into actionable support for non-profit organizations and smaller entities.

As the strategy development progresses, both Yunusov and Bergen indicated they will be closely monitoring how the government translates its stated principles into tangible support for all stakeholders. Yunusov specifically expressed concerns about whether access to resources will truly benefit the organizations that serve the public daily.

Bergen highlighted the importance of moving from strategic intent to concrete actions. He pointed to the necessity of establishing procurement frameworks that create real opportunities for Canadian AI firms, as well as capital and tax policies that support scaling and the retention of intellectual property.

The report mentions that ISED utilized AI tools, including those developed by the Canada-based company Cohere, to analyze the numerous submissions efficiently. However, there are indications from other leaders in the AI ecosystem that the pace of strategy development may not keep up with the rapid advancements in AI technology.

In conclusion, the public consultation has demonstrated that Ottawa is actively engaging with stakeholders. The forthcoming strategy will be scrutinized based on which ideas are implemented and which are overlooked. The effectiveness of Canada’s AI strategy will ultimately hinge on its ability to reshape incentives and infrastructure, ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all Canadians.