The government has several goals with this new strategy. It aims to increase productivity and economic growth while creating high-paying jobs. It also aims to keep AI safe and trustworthy. Overall, the strategy will help reduce Canada’s dependence on foreign AI companies and infrastructure.

While the framework is technology-focused, it also includes ambitious economic objectives, including creating 250,000 new jobs by 2031 and increasing Canada's GDP by 3 per cent, equivalent to roughly $200 billion in economic growth.

The overarching goal is to increase AI adoption significantly among Canadian businesses.

The strategy comprises six elements: protecting Canadians, building skills, driving AI adoption, strengthening sovereign infrastructure, scaling Canadian AI companies, and working with trusted partners.

Within this framework, it includes a new $500-million Canadian Tech Growth Fund to help domestic AI firms expand while keeping talent and intellectual property in Canada.

What Manufacturers Should Care About

For Canadian manufacturers, machine shops, and fabricators, the most relevant aspect is the government's focus on AI adoption and productivity. Canada has historically lagged behind many peer countries in AI adoption, especially among SMEs.

The strategy aims to encourage manufacturers to use AI in various ways. Whether for process optimization and predictive maintenance, or quality control and workforce training, AI can be a very powerful tool to help manufacturers improve.

Given Canada's ongoing labour shortages and productivity challenges, the government sees AI as a tool to help manufacturers produce more with existing resources rather than simply replacing workers.

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