Canada is on track to build an AI supercomputer so powerful it could rank among the top 10 to 15 globally, according to Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon. This ambitious goal positions Canada to close the gap with other G7 nations, as it is currently the only G7 country without a supercomputer in the top 25 of the global high-performance computing index.
Government Investment and Proposals
Solomon emphasized that Canada's ambition is "significantly higher than building a top 50 supercomputer." This drive is fueled by Ottawa's $890-million program to fund the construction and operation of a public AI supercomputer for researchers and businesses. The government is currently accepting proposals for the supercomputer's infrastructure layer, with a deadline in June. Solomon declined to specify the selection timeline but stated that a final decision will follow soon after a thorough due diligence process.
Compute Access Fund for Businesses
On Tuesday, Solomon announced that 44 Canadian businesses will receive $66 million to secure compute—the processing power needed to train and run AI models. This funding comes from the previously announced $300-million Compute Access Fund, designed to help small- and medium-sized enterprises scale AI projects and remain competitive while headquartered in Canada. Solomon described compute as the "core infrastructure of our economy" and noted that Ottawa's portfolio of compute programs aims to advance homegrown AI innovation and reduce reliance on foreign providers.
National AI Compute Strategy
Ottawa launched a national AI compute strategy in December 2024, allocating over $2 billion to build infrastructure and improve compute access for domestic researchers and companies. Last March, the government awarded Toronto-based Cohere Inc., Canada's only AI model developer, $240 million to purchase compute at an Ontario AI data centre built and operated by New Jersey-based CoreWeave Inc.
Concerns Over Safety and Regulation
Some researchers and organizations have expressed concerns that the government is prioritizing AI growth over safety and regulation. In January, a network of over 160 professors, individuals, and advocacy groups launched the People's Consultation on AI to advance AI law, policy, and regulation centered on human rights and the public interest, countering what they call the government's deeply flawed approach.
Solomon said the federal government will release its long-overdue national AI strategy soon, outlining a blueprint for building a sovereign ecosystem and driving safe and secure AI adoption. He also noted that Ottawa is closely watching the United States' regulatory moves, particularly Big Tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and SpaceXAI providing the U.S. government early access to AI models for national security checks.
