Carney Government's Artificial Intelligence Strategy Promises Thousands of Jobs and Raises Safety Questions

Ottawa —
The government of Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled a new artificial intelligence strategy, saying it will support the creation of thousands of jobs and strengthen Canada’s position in one of the fastest-growing technology sectors in the world.

The plan focuses on expanding investment in artificial intelligence technologies, supporting startups, training workers, and encouraging the use of technology in sectors such as health, energy, industry, and government services.

The government says the strategy aims to transform Canada from a country with strong research expertise in artificial intelligence into an economy capable of expanding production, attracting investments, and creating high-skilled job opportunities.

However, the plan has sparked criticism due to limited details related to AI safety, especially concerning data protection, transparency, preventing harmful uses, and the technology’s impact on jobs and digital rights.

Critics believe the government has presented an ambitious economic vision but has not sufficiently clarified how it will address the risks associated with advanced systems, nor whether it will adopt binding rules for companies and institutions that develop or use these technologies.

The strategy comes at a time when major countries are racing to establish regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence, while trying to balance encouraging innovation and protecting citizens from potential risks.

Ottawa is betting that investment in artificial intelligence can help boost productivity, improve services, and enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian economy, but it also faces increasing demands to ensure that the expansion of this technology is accompanied by clear oversight and effective safety standards.