Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a major investment of billions of dollars to strengthen Canada’s capacity in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This announcement was made during a virtual event hosted by the University of Toronto’s Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence.
The investment, totaling $2.2 billion, will be used to support the development of AI research and talent in Canada. This includes funding for the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which aims to position Canada as a global leader in AI research and innovation.
During his speech, Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the importance of investing in AI, stating that it has the potential to create new jobs, improve healthcare, and address climate change. He also highlighted Canada’s existing strengths in AI, such as its diverse and highly skilled workforce, and its strong research and academic institutions.
The Prime Minister also announced the creation of the National AI Institute of Canada, which will bring together researchers, industry leaders, and government officials to collaborate on AI projects. This institute will be based in Edmonton, Alberta, and will receive $443.8 million in funding over the next five years.
In addition to these investments, the government will also provide $40 million to support the development of AI-powered solutions for climate change and $80 million to establish a new AI and Climate Change Office.
This announcement has been met with enthusiasm from the AI community in Canada. Dr. Elissa Strome, Executive Director of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, stated that this investment will help Canada maintain its position as a global leader in AI research and innovation.
The Prime Minister’s announcement comes at a crucial time, as the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of AI in addressing global challenges. With this investment, Canada is well-positioned to continue making significant contributions to the field of AI and its potential to improve the lives of Canadians and people around the world.
