Canada partners with Cohere to boost AI in public services
The Government of Canada has entered a memorandum of understanding with Cohere to explore the use of artificial intelligence technologies across federal departments and agencies.
The agreement was signed by Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, and Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement. The memorandum aims to support the deployment of AI within the public sector and to advance the commercial use and export of Canadian-developed AI capabilities.
Cohere, established in 2019, is a Canadian technology firm known for the development of large language models and a focus on security-oriented enterprise AI. The company collaborates with international enterprises, including Oracle, Dell, RBC, Bell, and Fujitsu.
Government objectives
Through the MOU, the government signals its commitment to spearheading the use of home-grown AI solutions to improve public services while fostering growth in the technology sector.
"There's no better place to leverage the innovative technology of artificial intelligence than here in our own backyard, and no better use than in the service of Canadians from coast to coast to coast," said Solomon. "By working with Canadian AI innovators like Cohere, we're laying the groundwork for a more efficient, effective and productive public service while helping ensure that Canada remains competitive in this new digital era."
The partnership is part of a broader federal strategy that seeks to promote responsible AI development, invest in talent, and create economic opportunities through technological innovation. The approach is designed to enhance Canada's competitive position in the international AI landscape, both through domestic policy and global standard-setting.
Lightbound highlighted the importance of building sovereign AI capabilities for public sector transformation, stating, "This MOU with Cohere is an opportunity to explore how sovereign AI can strengthen public services, protect our digital sovereignty and create opportunities for Canadians. By engaging with home-grown innovators, we can better understand and harness the potential of these technologies, ensure they are developed and deployed responsibly, and help position the Government of Canada as a strong market for Canadian AI solutions."
Continued investments
Canada has been active in AI policy and investment, becoming the first country to launch a national AI strategy. Since 2016, federal spending related to AI and digital research infrastructure has exceeded CAD $4.4 billion. This includes CAD $2.4 billion allocated in the 2024 budget for expanding AI compute infrastructure, supporting adoption programmes, and launching an institute dedicated to AI safety.
In addition to direct investment, the federal government has introduced a suite of measures to guide the adoption and responsible management of advanced AI systems. These include the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the Canadian AI Safety Institute, a voluntary code of conduct for advanced generative AI, and an advisory council addressing AI policy.
The announcement follows continued efforts by Canadian authorities to support the responsible growth of AI technology while promoting domestic enterprise solutions and establishing national standards in a rapidly evolving global technology context.
