With G7 leaders pledging last month to adopt artificial intelligence across public services, Canada is moving fast to take the lead. Prime Minister Mark Carney has directed federal ministers to deploy AI “at scale,” launching an overhaul of Canadian governance. 

Now dozens of small- and medium-sized businesses across Canada are seeking to join the federal government’s list of pre-qualified AI suppliers, with the tender closing on Sept. 30. Gaining a spot would improve their chances of landing government contracts.