PM Mark Carney vows to prioritize AI in Canada’s future—but experts warn the clock is ticking to compete globally and build a sustainable, sovereign AI ecosystem.
As newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney takes office, one of his boldest campaign promises is now under the microscope: making Canada a global AI powerhouse. Touted as a pillar of his economic transformation plan, artificial intelligence (AI) was a central focus throughout his campaign—but will his government follow through?
The Promise: Big Investments, Bigger Goals
Carney’s platform outlined an ambitious AI agenda, including:
- $15,000 training grants for workers in AI-priority sectors
- $2.5 billion in digital infrastructure over two fiscal years
- A 20% tax credit for SMEs adopting AI, budgeted at $400 million through 2028–29
- The expansion of national AI institutes or a new Office of Digital Transformation (yet to be costed or scheduled)
The vision, rooted in Carney’s 2021 book Value(s), emphasized AI’s ability to transform every sector—from healthcare and education to logistics and manufacturing.
The Challenge: Can Canada Catch Up?
Despite Canada’s early leadership in AI research, experts say the country is now falling behind global competitors like the U.S., China, and the EU.
“We’re running out of time,” warned Lawrence Zhang, head of policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. “The window is closing, but we can still lead in how AI is deployed.”
Julien Billot, CEO of federally backed Scale AI, added that AI is quickly becoming foundational to all software systems. “Whether we like it or not, AI is the next layer of innovation.”
One-Time Investments Aren’t Enough
Experts caution that Carney’s plans, while promising, lack mechanisms for consistent, long-term investment.
“Private capital needs to be drawn in. The government shouldn’t have to shoulder it all,” said Adegboyega Ojo, Canada Research Chair in Governance and AI. “Stimulating investment in the sector is the real challenge.”
Although the previous Trudeau government pledged $2.4 billion over five years for AI, Ojo stressed that this was a start—not a solution.
The Stakes: Economic Competitiveness and Sovereignty
AI is not just a tech issue—it’s increasingly a matter of economic independence and national security. Billot compared reliance on foreign AI to military dependence: “If you never build your own arms, you’re at the mercy of someone else.”
With AI’s potential to streamline public services, enhance education, and reduce hospital wait times, Zhang argues it’s time for a national buy-in that goes beyond startup culture. “This isn’t about ping pong tables and tech bros—it’s about how AI can raise incomes and improve lives.”
What Comes Next?
While the Privy Council Office reaffirmed AI as a government priority, no clear timeline has been shared for implementing major components of Carney’s platform—like the Office of Digital Transformation.
Without swift and strategic action, experts fear Canada could lose its edge in shaping the very technology that will define the next era.
With global competition heating up, Canada must decide whether to lead the AI race—or get left behind. Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for continued coverage on Canada’s digital future.
