Canada maps out C$2 billion AI push focused on jobs and sovereignty

Canada has laid out a national artificial intelligence strategy that commits more than C$2 billion over the next decade to expand AI use, build domestic infrastructure and keep talent from moving abroad. The plan puts sovereignty at the center, arguing Canada should reduce reliance on foreign providers for sensitive data storage and computing power. It calls for a publicly accessible supercomputer for researchers and businesses, support for large-scale AI data centers serving Canadian clients, and C$500 million in investments in Canadian AI companies that could include government equity stakes. Ottawa also pledged AI research fellowships, more university research chairs and faster entry and permanent residency pathways for highly skilled AI workers. The strategy says scaling AI across sectors could create 250,000 jobs.