What Comes Next for Canada’s AI Strategy: Key Takeaways from our Federal Executive Briefing

What Comes Next for Canada's AI Strategy: Key Takeaways from our Federal Executive Briefing

On June 24, TECHNATION convened leaders from across industry and government for a Federal Executive Briefing on Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. Held in Ottawa and virtually, the discussion came just weeks after the strategy's release, making it a timely opportunity to move beyond vision and begin unpacking what implementation will look like in practice.

We were honoured to host Mark Schaan, Associate Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), for a candid fireside chat on what comes next for Canada's AI agenda. We are also grateful for the support of our co-host sponsor, TELUS, whose partnership continues to help advance critical conversations on Canada's digital future.

From Vision to Measurable Outcomes

The release of Canada's AI strategy marks an important step in strengthening the country's digital economy and global competitiveness. The real work now turns to translating that ambition into measurable, real-world outcomes through thoughtful, intentional effort.

From the outset, one message was clear: Canada is entering a phase defined by delivery and sustained engagement. The strategy has been shaped through meaningful collaboration with industry and partners, and that same level of engagement will be essential in implementing it successfully.

As Mark emphasized, this strategy is not limited to those building AI. Its core premise - AI for All - is rooted in equity: ensuring AI is diffused across the full breadth of Canada's economy and society, from large enterprises to SMEs, across industries, and accessible to all Canadians. AI must work for Canadians - not the other way around - and that will only happen if it is broadly adopted and understood.

A consistent theme throughout the discussion was clear: AI adoption will move at the speed of trust. Building that trust - through strong governance, safety investments, and open dialogue - will be essential to success.

At the same time, there was clear recognition that while Canada must strengthen domestic capacity, it must remain globally connected. Sovereignty matters - but sovereignty does not mean solitude.

Priorities Shaping Canada's AI Path

The fireside chat underscored several defining priorities that will shape how Canada's AI strategy is put into action. Canada is positioning itself within a competitive global landscape, drawing on international best practices while maintaining a clear emphasis on responsible AI and public trust.

Diffusion and adoption - particularly among SMEs - will be a real test of success. Moving from 12% to 60% adoption will only happen by making AI relevant and accessible to businesses across sectors, supported by practical tools, guidance, and leadership.

Industry engagement will continue to play a critical role. Partnerships with industry have already been fundamental in shaping the strategy and ensuring it reflects on-the-ground realities and will be equally important as it is put into action.

Infrastructure also remains a key enabler. Investments in sovereign compute capacity are vital, particularly for Canadian companies looking to scale. At the same time, there was recognition of the important role international companies have played - and will continue to play - in Canada's AI ecosystem.

Success will require a whole-of-ecosystem effort. This transformation will not happen passively. It will take deliberate coordination, shared responsibility, and sustained commitment across sectors.

Building What Comes Next

The path forward will unfold in phases, with strong alignment that getting it right matters more than moving quickly for its own sake.

At the same time, there is a clear need for agility. AI is advancing rapidly, and Canada's approach must evolve alongside it, remaining dynamic and grounded in continuous learning. This will require ongoing engagement with industry and partners to stay closely aligned with real-world conditions.

Canada's success in AI will depend on trust, inclusion, partnership, and execution. This is not simply about advancing a technology sector - it is about enabling transformation across the entire economy and society, and ensuring all Canadians are part of that journey.

With that comes a shared responsibility. Stakeholders across the ecosystem must act as agents of responsible and safe AI deployment. Ultimately, success will depend not just on policy, but on how it is operationalized in practice - through collaboration, continued dialogue, and real-world application.

Building Canada's AI Future Together

As the session came to a close, there was a sense that while the road ahead is complex, it is also deeply collaborative. TECHNATION is proud to be part of that journey, working alongside government partners, industry leaders, and our members to help shape Canada's AI future in practical ways.

We extend our sincere thanks to Mark Schaan for his insights and leadership, and to all those who joined the conversation.

A special thank you to TELUS, our Co-host Sponsor, for helping make this important dialogue possible.

Because building Canada's AI future isn't the work of any one organization - it's something we build together.