The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce have applauded the establishment of federal government’s artificial intelligence strategy AI for All, which was announced on June 4.
Under the strategy, the government will update legislative frameworks to address trust and safety issues and mitigate AI-related risks. It will enhance protections for Canadians’ personal data and AI transparency to facilitate safe and responsible use.
The government will launch a national AI Literacy initiative providing all Canadians with entry-level AI training in addition to training and upskilling opportunities for workers. Post-secondary students will be granted access to established AI agents, and up to 90,000 AI-related jobs and work placement opportunities will be provided to Canadian youth. The government will also establish the first AI Missions Program.
The government developed the strategy with feedback from national consultations conducted last year. It considered input from over 11,000 submissions by workers, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and community leaders.
“Canada’s new AI for All Strategy is about putting artificial intelligence to work for Canadians. It will give people the confidence to use AI safely, help businesses adopt it, and ensure more of the value is created here at home. This is how we protect people, grow our economy, reflect our values, and deliver real benefits in everyday life,” said Evan Solomon, minister of AI and digital innovation and minister responsible for the federal economic development agency for Southern Ontario, in a statement.
The OCC described the strategy as “an important step toward strengthening Canada’s productivity, competitiveness, and inclusive, long-term economic growth” while the Canadian Chamber of Commerce highlighted the setting of a “clear, measurable target” to boost the AI business adoption rate from 12 percent to 60 percent by 2034.
Both chambers also highlighted the focus on small- and medium-sized businesses. The OCC pointed to the provision of AI adoption support for SMEs.
“Canada’s new strategy reflects what businesses have been calling for: a comprehensive commitment to AI adoption, infrastructure, and commercialization – and a recognition that data sovereignty is essential to national competitiveness,” said Daniel Tisch, OCC’s president and CEO, in a statement.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce offered to leverage its international network of AI policy partners as the government focuses on improving multinational alliances, such as through the new Sovereign Technology Alliance.
“Several elements of this strategy align closely with our own policy work through the ‘Business 7’ (B7) platform, including our 2025 B7 Communique,” said Catherine Fortin LaFaivre, senior vice president of international policy and global partnerships at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in a statement.
LaFaivre added that the document seemed to be “an ambitious guiding strategy” that requires an execution plan and specific programs.
“The Canadian Chamber and its Future of AI Council look forward to working closely with the government to ensure this vision is put into action. Implementation of this strategy, in partnership with the Canadian business community, will be essential for its success,” LaFaivre said.