TLDR:

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a $2.4 billion commitment to the artificial intelligence sector to boost job growth and international competitiveness. The investment includes funds for an AI Compute Access Fund, AI safety institute, and an office of the AI and Data Commissioner to enforce the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act.

Key Elements of the Article:

• Trudeau commits $2.4 billion to the AI sector to enhance job growth and competitiveness.
• Majority of funds will go towards an AI Compute Access Fund, AI safety institute, and an office of the AI and Data Commissioner.
• Proposed legislation Bill C-27 aims to update privacy laws and introduce new obligations for AI systems.
• The Liberal government is setting up campaign-style stops ahead of the budget announcement on April 16.

The Liberal government is making a significant investment of $2.4 billion in the artificial intelligence sector in an effort to boost job growth and international competitiveness. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed this commitment during a pre-budget announcement, with $2 billion allocated to a fund aimed at providing access to computing capabilities and technical infrastructure.

In addition to the fund, Trudeau announced plans for a $50 million AI safety institute to protect against advanced or nefarious AI systems. Another $5.1 million will be allocated to the establishment of an office of the AI and Data Commissioner to enforce the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, represented by Bill C-27. This legislation, the first of its kind in Canada, aims to update privacy laws and introduce new obligations for high-impact AI systems.

Throughout their pre-budget campaign-style stops, the Liberals have been focusing on different sectors, with recent announcements centered around housing initiatives. Housing Minister Sean Fraser mentioned the release of a complete housing plan before budget day, while the federal Conservatives have outlined their demands for the fiscal plan in a letter to Trudeau.

Trudeau responded to the opposition’s criticisms, emphasizing that their policies are not the cause of inflation and stating that experts and economists support their approach. The government’s minority status relies on a supply-and-confidence deal with the New Democrats, ensuring support as long as key NDP priorities are advanced.