Artificial Intelligence · Canada
Artificial Intelligence - Canada
Canada has no comprehensive, economy-wide AI law currently in force. The proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), part of Bill C-27, died on the Order Paper when Parliament was prorogued in January 2025, leaving a voluntary code for industry and a mandatory directive for federal government use as the main instruments. The Carney government has named a Minister of AI and, in its Spring Economic Update 2026, set out six pillars for a forthcoming national AI strategy that signals new privacy and online safety legislation, but no replacement AI bill has yet been introduced.
Canada's first attempt at comprehensive AI legislation, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act under Bill C-27, died on the Order Paper when Parliament was prorogued on January 6, 2025; it would require reintroduction to advance.
In the absence of binding law, ISED's Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems (launched September 2023) sets out commitments on accountability, safety, fairness, transparency and human oversight for signatory firms until formal regulation is in effect.
The Treasury Board Directive on Automated Decision-Making (in force since April 1, 2019, with subsequent amendments) is a mandatory risk-based instrument requiring an Algorithmic Impact Assessment for automated/AI decision systems used by most federal institutions — but it governs government use only, not the private sector.
Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed Evan Solomon as Canada's first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation in May 2025, signaling a dedicated federal focus on AI governance and adoption.
Canada's Spring Economic Update 2026 set out six pillars for a forthcoming national AI strategy — protecting Canadians and democracy, empowering citizens, promoting adoption, building sovereign AI infrastructure, scaling Canadian champions, and trusted global partnerships — including plans for new privacy and online safety laws.
Minister Solomon has signaled an intent to introduce new AI legislation that would not simply repeat AIDA; a successor bill is widely expected to be tabled in 2026 but, as of May 2026, no replacement AI bill is before Parliament.
Machine-assisted translation · verified 5/23/2026 · orientation, not legal advice. English version →