Canada Centers Tech in New National Security Strategy
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire · Based on a photo by tsaiproject from Canada (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)
The federal government outlines a path toward 'true sovereignty' by prioritizing emerging technologies and frontier AI as critical security sectors.
Canada has released its first national security strategy in over twenty years, titled "The Plan for a Stronger Canada," which positions emerging technologies as the primary focus of eight critical sectors, as BetaKit first reported. According to BetaKit, the strategy lists cloud and AI compute, semiconductors, quantum computing, telecommunications, and space-based communications and navigation as essential areas for national security.
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that these technologies will serve as the "bedrock" of relationships intended to promote a sovereign Canada. AI Minister Evan Solomon told BetaKit that investing in these capabilities ensures Canadians maintain control of their "sovereign destiny," noting that "sovereignty is a form of safety" in a threat environment involving AI and cyber risks.
To support these goals, the government announced a $1.6-billion investment in the domestic frontier AI developer Cohere. The strategy also outlines plans to modernize intelligence authorities and strengthen agencies such as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and Communications Security Establishment Canada, while increasing contributions to the Five Eyes partnership.
While the government aims to build strengths domestically or partner with reliable allies, some industry leaders have raised concerns. Daniel Perry, director of federal affairs at the Council of Canadian Innovators, told BetaKit that the strategy lacks detail on intellectual property ownership and standards for firms. Perry argued that without Canadian ownership of the IP, the country's dependence merely moves onshore.
Moving forward, Prime Minister Carney intends to convene a First Ministers meeting on national security and plans to propose modernized national security legislation within the next year.