Canada Pledges Additional $500 Million to Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative
On October 13, 2026, the Government of Canada announced an additional $500 million over five years for the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, bringing total federal funding to $700 million. The expansion supports businesses in adopting and commercializing AI across the country.
On October 13, 2026, the Government of Canada announced an additional investment of $500 million over five years through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII). The new funding brings total national support for the program to $700 million.
Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, announced the expansion of the initiative in Ottawa, Ontario. In Moncton, New Brunswick, Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced an Atlantic-wide call for proposals tied to the funding.
The RAII is part of "AI for All," Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which was announced in June 2026. The initiative is delivered by regional development agencies to help businesses adopt artificial intelligence and commercialize Canadian-made solutions.
Atlantic Canada will receive nearly $40 million from the expanded funding to help local businesses improve operations and reach new customers. In the region, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is delivering over $55 million under the RAII. The Atlantic-wide call for proposals closes on November 20, 2026, and is open to eligible small- and medium-sized businesses with AI projects valued at $1 million or more.
In southern Ontario, applications are being accepted until January 19, 2027, with specific deadlines for projects with costs before March 31, 2027.
Since the launch of the RAII in 2024, businesses have adopted or commercialized AI through 218 projects across Canada, creating or maintaining over 1,100 jobs. These projects have leveraged approximately $1.77 for every dollar approved.