On June 22nd, 2022, the Innovation Minister announced how the Canadian Federal Government is planning to spend the budget of $443 million for the second phase of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
While the first phase of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy established in 2017 was focused on research, the second phase will be focused on the “standardization of AI” and talent searching. This announcement follows the recent tabling of Bill C-27 that focuses on digital privacy and the regulation of AI systems, including “criminal prohibitions and penalties regarding the use of data obtained unlawfully”. Similarly, phase two of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy covers standards to “advance the development and adoption of standards and a conformity assessment program related to AI”.
Under phase two, the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) will receive $160 million to continue pushing programs to “attract, retain, and develop academic research talent,” $48 million to enhance “research, training, and knowledge programs,” and $40 million for the “computing capacity” of AI researchers. As well, an additional $750 million will go towards the “Global Innovation Clusters” that will support small and medium-sized enterprises and attract private investment from public and private sources.
Read more about the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy on the Government of Canada website.
Source: Betakit
