Federal government expands AI support across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
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EDMONTON — Canada's federal government is adding $500 million over five years to its Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative. Some of this money will help businesses and organizations in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
With this new money, the federal government will have provided a total of $700 million for the program.
Prairies Economic Development Canada, also called PrairiesCan, says the money will help businesses start using artificial intelligence (AI) and add it to the way they work. It will also help Canadian AI companies turn their ideas into products and services they can sell and grow their businesses.
The program is part of AI for All, Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
PrairiesCan says it will focus especially on helping businesses use AI in health and life sciences, energy and natural resources, transportation, farming, manufacturing and robotics.
Eleanor Olszewski, the minister responsible for PrairiesCan, said the government is using the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative to help businesses in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba start using AI, bring Canadian-made AI products and services to market, and compete with businesses around the world as the economy changes quickly.
The program will also help organizations such as incubators, accelerators and other non-profit groups. These organizations give special support to small and medium-sized businesses that want to start using AI or turn AI technology into products and services they can sell.
The federal government says the program aims to help businesses get more work done, compete more successfully and handle challenges and changes better. It also aims to help Canadian AI companies find investors and customers.
Evan Solomon, Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, said the expanded program is meant to help businesses start using AI more quickly and responsibly. It is also meant to help Canadian companies bring their technology to market so people can buy and use it.
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative first started in 2024. At that time, the federal government provided $200 million for five years.
PrairiesCan says the expanded program will also work to give Indigenous Peoples, young people, groups that have not had equal opportunities, and communities across Canada better access to opportunities involving AI.
Businesses and organizations in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba can now apply for funding. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until December 31, 2029, or until all the available money has been promised to approved projects.