AI funding announcement good news for tech sector, but also means legislation coming: BLG lawyer

The AI and Data Commissioner’s Office will also receive $5.1 million to enforce the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act. “If you’re going to empower the commissioner’s office dedicated to AI and data with resources to begin enforcing when you don’t still have that legislation… that tells me that the government is thinking seriously about putting some teeth to this legislation that’s to come,” says Vila.

Over five years, an additional $200 million will support AI start-ups and accelerate technology adoption in agriculture, clean technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, managed through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies. This indicates a “desire to boost AI adoption in critical sectors,” says Vila.

The National Research Council’s AI Assist Program will be endowed with $100 million to help small- and medium-sized businesses implement new AI solutions to increase national productivity. $50 million will fund the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, which provides skills training for workers in sectors likely to be impacted by AI.

Transport Canada is also set to benefit from $6.7 million for the pre-load air cargo targeting program, which screens all air cargo bound for Canada.

Vila says it is possible the legislation could be passed as soon as the end of this year. “Companies may want to be getting themselves ready for what’s to come based on what we already know.”