A Review of Trudeau's $2.4 Billion AI Investment Plan
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed in his budget earlier this month that the Liberal government plans to allocate $2.4 billion towards artificial intelligence research and implementation in Canada and its industries. The biggest chunk of this sum, about $2 billion of it, will fund a new initiative aimed at providing access to computing resources and technical support. Trudeau, speaking in Montreal during a pre-budget tour, expressed the government's intention to consult with industry to establish an AI Compute Access Fund. This fund was implemented to expand the AI sectors across the country. Trudeau attempted to emphasize the goal of aiding companies in adopting AI in various sectors, such as agriculture, healthcare, and clean technology. The liberal government believes this move will save money and further enrich the Canadian economy. Also, an additional $200 million will be allocated to promote the adoption of various AI technologies in these sectors.
The government also plans to establish an AI safety institute to safeguard against potential risks posed by advanced AI systems funded by about $50 million. Another $5.1 million will be allocated to establish an office for the AI and Data Commissioner, tasked with enforcing the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, also known as Bill C-27. This legislation, the first of its kind in Canada, aims to update privacy laws and introduce new regulations for high-impact AI systems. Click here to read the CCYA’s review of Bill C-27. Innovation, Science, and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne praises Canada's leadership in AI, encouraging a shift in perspective from fearing AI and showing how it can benefit society.
The announcement was released as part of a series of pre-budget events leading up to the budget release. Along with the announcement for the AI fund, the liberal government has also announced a plan as well as funding for housing initiatives. Meanwhile, the federal Conservatives unsuccessfully demanded several concessions from the Liberals, including ending the carbon price and increasing home building permits to increase housing starts, thereby decreasing the cost of living crisis that is currently gripping Canada. Trudeau, however, has pushed back, straining that Liberal policies do not drive inflation unlike the policies proposed by the Conservatives. The Conservative party writes back to these claims by showing evidence that the greatest rise in inflation was in fact during Trudeau’s run.
The minority government's budget will likely receive support from the New Democrats, thanks to a supply-and-confidence deal, provided key NDP priorities like dental care and pharmacare are addressed.
Images/sources:
https://globalnews.ca/video/10408311/trudeau-announces-2-4b-of-federal-budget-will-go-towards-can adas-ai-sector
https://i1.wp.com/media.globalnews.ca/videostatic/news/i8sve20r60-l1vqgqcljh/AI_VMS.jpg?w=1200& quality=70&strip=all
https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/federal-liberals-announce-billions-to-build-canada-s-ai-capacity-1.6836920
