Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the greatest technological transformations of our age. Canada has been an early leader in AI, and the Government of Canada is committed to equipping Canadian researchers and industry stakeholders with the tools and services they need. Access to computing power is an increasingly critical component for AI researchers and scientists, and it will help ensure that AI has a positive and transformational impact on the world's economies and societies.
That is why on March 26, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, joined by Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region, announced a Government of Canada investment of $9.6 million in Université Laval to help support the creation of a computing cluster for AI research. Funded through the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS), this investment will help support the purchase of state-of-the-art computing infrastructure that will allow Université Laval to host the Pan-Canadian AI Compute Environment (PAICE) platform. PAICE will be developed in collaboration with Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, the Digital Research Alliance of Canada and Calcul Québec. The Government of Quebec is also providing $6.4 million to support this project.
Through PCAIS, the Government of Canada is investing in efforts to drive the adoption of AI across Canada's economy and society. To support the objectives of the strategy, the Digital Research Alliance of Canada is providing dedicated computing capacity for artificial intelligence researchers across Canada. Together with its partners, Canada is harnessing the power of AI to spur innovation, drive economic growth and improve living standards all while promoting the responsible development and use of AI.
Quotes
"Our government recognizes that artificial intelligence represents significant technological progress. That's why we have invested in Canada's digital infrastructure through the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy to support the building of advanced digital research infrastructure and maintain Canada's position as a world leader in AI."
- The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
"To make Quebec a key centre for advanced computing and artificial intelligence, we must invest in high-performance equipment. This new equipment meets the growing needs of our research community, thus ensuring Quebec's competitiveness in this field of the future."
- Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region
"The Digital Research Alliance of Canada is pleased to be providing dedicated computing capacity to support the national AI computing cluster. Canada has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the field of AI, and this investment in state-of-the-art computing infrastructure strengthens our ability to support excellence in Canadian AI research."
- George Ross, CEO, Digital Research Alliance of Canada
Quick facts
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Launched in 2017, the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS) a global first is helping Canada maintain its position as a world leader in artificial intelligence, helping businesses be more competitive and helping more Canadians benefit from growth in the digital economy.
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The second phase of the strategy, announced in June 2022, invested $443 million to bridge world-class talent and cutting-edge research capacity with commercialization and adoption. Today's investment is part of $40 million the strategy provided for dedicated computing capacity for AI researchers across Canada.
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In January 2024, the Government of Canada signed an MOU with the United Kingdom to explore how both countries can continue to collaborate on key areas of common interest, including access to AI computing capacity, sustainability in computing infrastructure, collaborative AI research projects and the development of AI talent.
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The 2022-2027 Québec strategy to support research and investment in innovation (QRIIS2) allocates more than $7.5 billion by 2027 to equip Quebec with a solid base in research and innovation. The strategy includes measures to support the development of state-of-the-art computing infrastructure in Quebec and strengthen Calcul Québec's reputation nationally.
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In its 2024-2025 budget, the Government of Quebec allocated an additional $3 billion for the Québec Infrastructure Plan 2024-2034, bringing the total for the plan to $153 billion to equip Quebec with the latest in modern infrastructure.
