The federal government says it is making an additional $500 million available over five years to help Canadian businesses adopt artificial intelligence technologies and bring Canadian-developed AI products to market. The announcement was made in London on Tuesday by Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon, who said the funding will expand the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, bringing total federal support for the program to $700 million. The initiative is part of the federal government’s AI for All strategy, unveiled in June 2026, which is aimed at increasing the use of artificial intelligence across Canada while strengthening the country’s AI sector and technological sovereignty. Federal officials said support will be focused primarily on sectors where Canada has established expertise and growth potential, including health and life sciences, energy and natural resources, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and robotics. Regional agencies will also have flexibility to support other local economic priorities. The government said the expanded program will also help Canadian AI companies attract investment, secure customers and commercialize homegrown technologies. Funding will also be available to organizations that provide businesses with specialized expertise and support related to AI adoption and commercialization. The federal government also said the investment is intended to encourage broader AI adoption across Canada, help domestic AI firms grow while remaining based in Canada, and support economic growth and productivity.
