Engagements on Canada’s Next AI Strategy: Summary of Inputs
ENGAGEMENTS ON CANADA’S NEXT AI STRATEGY Summary of Inputs
This report summarizes the inputs gathered during public consultations and from an AI Strategy Task Force regarding Canada's next artificial intelligence strategy. It details perspectives from over 11,300 respondents and 32 task force reports concerning areas like research, commercialization, infrastructure, and safe AI systems. The feedback highlights the need for balanced approaches that drive innovation while maintaining data sovereignty and ethical safeguards.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
This document is for policymakers, researchers, and citizens interested in the public input that informs Canada's upcoming national AI strategy.
What the document contains
The document covers the methodology, demographics, and synthesized feedback from public consultations, task force reports, and policy submissions concerning Canada's future artificial intelligence strategy.
It does not contain binding regulatory rules or the final text of the upcoming AI strategy itself.
- Canada conducted a 30-day public consultation and formed an AI Strategy Task Force to shape its next national AI strategy.
- Over 11,300 respondents and 32 task force reports contributed insights spanning research, talent, adoption, and security.
- Participants emphasized balancing economic growth and competitiveness with ethical considerations, data sovereignty, and public trust.
- Recommendations included building domestic compute infrastructure, enhancing AI literacy, and protecting Canadian intellectual property.
1. Introduction 2. Engagement Overview 3. What We Heard - Online Consultation 4. Task Force Reports 5. Supplementary Policy Submissions 6. Conclusion and Next Steps 7. Annex A - Consultation Portal and Task Force Questions 8. Annex B - Task Force Members
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
3/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
Public trust in AI hinges on transparency, accountability and robust governance. Respondents called for risk- based certification standards, independent audits, and clear disclosures about AI use.
Safe AI systems and public trust
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
3/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
Ethical guidelines and oversight bodies are seen as essential to protect individual rights and promote fairness. Concerns include bias, privacy breaches, job displacement and the environmental footprint of AI infrastructure.
Safe AI systems and public trust
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
2/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
There was a strong call for a national strategy that focuses on human-centred AI in areas of Canadian strength
Research and talent
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
3/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
Respondents called for strict liability laws, human-in-the-loop systems and robust policies to safeguard Canadian interests.
Security
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
3/5Protection of personal data and private life
Proposals included: › a sovereign wealth fund with a venture capital arm › fiscal policies that support sustainable growth and IP retention › strong legal frameworks for privacy, environmental protection and ethical AI development
Scaling champions and attracting investments
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
3/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Public trust in AI hinges on transparency, accountability and robust governance. Respondents called for risk- based certification standards, independent audits, and clear disclosures about AI use.
Safe AI systems and public trust
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
3/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
Several reports called for the establishment of oversight mechanisms, such as transparent dashboards, trust labels and independent auditing platforms, to monitor AI deployments.
Safe AI systems and public trust
screening score · 2026-10-23