Current Status
Status: Not Started
No concrete actions have been taken by the Carney government to invest in AI training, adoption, or commercialization since taking office.
Background
Canada has long positioned itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence, with pioneering research hubs in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton dating back to investments under previous administrations. Mark Carney, during his 2025 federal election campaign, pledged to invest in AI training, adoption, and commercialization as part of a broader economic strategy to boost innovation, create jobs, and maintain Canada's competitive edge in emerging technologies. Fulfilling this promise would require targeted funding, policy initiatives, and partnerships to support skill development, business integration of AI tools, and the transformation of research into marketable products, building on but distinct from earlier efforts like the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy launched under Justin Trudeau in 2017 and expanded in subsequent budgets.
Evidence
Since Mark Carney was sworn in as Prime Minister following the 2025 election, no specific investments or programs dedicated to AI training, adoption, or commercialization have been initiated by his government. Departmental plans for 2026-2027 from bodies like the Department of Justice Canada and the National Research Council Canada outline broad priorities related to economic growth and innovation, but these documents do not detail any new funding allocations or program launches tied directly to this promise [3][8]. A public consultation on Canada's next AI strategy occurred from October 1 to October 31, 2025, gathering input from over 11,000 Canadians and task force members on themes including research, talent, and industry adoption, but this predates the Carney government's formation and involved no follow-up actions reported in available sources [1]. Ongoing elements of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, such as support for national AI institutes, stem from Budget 2021 under the Trudeau government and continue without new expansions or commitments from the current administration [2]. No legislative or budgetary measures specifically advancing AI investments have been documented in 2026, with references to AI in government releases limited to general discussions rather than tangible steps [6][7]. As of March 26, 2026, there are no records of disbursed funds, new partnerships, or policy implementations by the Carney government addressing the promise's components.
Assessment
The Carney government's record on this promise remains blank, with no evidence of investments made in AI training, adoption, or commercialization since assuming power. While departmental plans for the coming fiscal year mention innovation and economic priorities, these fall short of the concrete steps needed to advance the commitment, leaving the promise untouched amid ongoing global competition in AI. Without swift action, Canada risks falling behind in a field where it once led, underscoring the gap between campaign rhetoric and governance delivery.
Sources
- The next chapter of Canada's AI leadership
- Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy
- Department of Justice Canada’s 2026-2027 Departmental Plan
- Bill C-27: An Act to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts
- Criminal Code
- Securing Canada’s AI advantage | Prime Minister of Canada
- Prime Minister highlights Canada’s leadership in AI at the One Young World Summit in Montréal | Prime Minister of Canada
- National Research Council Canada's 2026–27 Departmental Plan - National Research Council Canada