The Government of Canada has launched its first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy for the federal public service, aiming to embed AI into government operations in a secure, ethical, and citizen-centered way. The announcement was made in early March by the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, President of the Treasury Board, at the University of Waterloo’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Institute.
“With the first-ever AI Strategy for the public service, we’re laying the groundwork to leverage the potential of this technology to deliver the best possible services to Canadians,” said Petitpas Taylor.
Developed through extensive consultations with experts and the public, the strategy outlines four key priorities: establishing an AI Centre of Expertise, securing responsible use of AI systems, developing talent and training pathways for public servants, and building public trust through transparency and openness.
The Strategy supports the government’s broader Digital Ambition by improving digital service delivery and increasing productivity across departments. It also seeks to eliminate structural barriers to AI adoption, such as outdated processes and legacy systems, which often limit innovation within the public sector.
The AI Centre of Expertise will serve as a hub for coordinating cross-government efforts and identifying successful initiatives that can be scaled. Meanwhile, a newly released Guide on the Use of Generative AI will help public servants assess risks and make responsible decisions as AI technologies are adopted.
The federal government plans to update Canada’s AI Strategy every two years to reflect the evolving technological landscape and changing public needs. According to a January 2025 “What We Heard” report, consultations from May to October 2024 highlighted strong public interest in ethical and inclusive AI that serves the public good.
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