A Vision for AI
A Sovereign, Safe & Pro-Growth AI Framework
“More competitors are using AI and automation, especially in the U.S., where most of our auto-parts contracts have already gone. Small job shops like ours can’t survive unless we upgrade to stay ahead. If we don’t adapt now, there won’t be a next generation in this trade.”
What’s at Stake?
Without a clear Conservative framework, we risk losing the productivity gains, jobs, and influence that come from leading the next technological wave.
- AI could contribute $1.6–2.2 trillion USD to the global economy by 2030 (McKinsey). Without a national strategy, Canada risks losing competitiveness and influence in how this technology is used.
- Competitor countries are moving quickly on AI strategy, compute capacity, and commercialization.
- The Conservative Party recognizes AI will reshape economies, labour markets, and society. Without an articulated position, we risk ceding ground on a defining economic and security file.
- This submission proposes a Sovereign, Safe & Pro-Growth AI Framework and the creation of a dedicated AI section in the Policy Declaration under the Economic Development chapter.
A Conservative government will implement a framework for artificial intelligence that advances innovation. We will actively support research and development and create the conditions for Canadian businesses to lead in AI-driven productivity and global competitiveness.
Why this Policy Declaration Addition?
- Signals priorities: Places AI alongside energy, trade, and defence as a national economic file, rather than a niche technology issue.
- Connects innovation to workers: Focuses on productivity, wages, and competitiveness— not bureaucracy or vague innovation rhetoric.
- Creates a home for future policy: Provides a unified framework under which EDAs, caucus, and stakeholders can advance sector-specific AI proposals.
How Can It Be Implemented?
The framework itself is strategic. It does not pre-judge specific legislation; it sets the direction for measurable, scalable, growth-driven policy. Examples of measures that could flow from it include:
Commercialization
Scale Canadian-built AI into manufacturing, health, and energy. Even a 0.5 percentage-point productivity lift could add $70–80 billion to GDP by 2030.
SME Modernization
Help 30,000 small firms adopt automation through refundable Productivity Credits of up to $50,000 each.
Digital Sovereignty
Invest $500 million to build a Canadian Digital Backbone—secure, domestic compute and data infrastructure.
Skills & Labour
Retrain 250,000 Canadians through short, industry-led credentials by 2030 to align workers with AI-enabled roles.
Common-Sense Rules
Establish AI rules that cut compliance time by 30% while preserving transparency, safety, and accountability.
Public-Sector Adoption
Pilot Canadian-built AI tools in 10 federal departments, targeting 10–15% efficiency gains before any national rollout.
Responsible Growth, Strong Leadership
Innovation must protect Canadians’ privacy, jobs, and autonomy. A dedicated AI section in the Policy Declaration creates space for ongoing debate that recognizes both the promise and the risks of AI. Future policy development under this framework could focus on:
- Transparency & accountability: ensuring algorithmic decisions are explainable, auditable, and subject to meaningful human oversight.
- Workforce transition: supporting reskilling, entrepreneurship, and new career pathways as automation reshapes industries.
- Digital sovereignty: securing Canadian control over data and compute capacity to avoid long-term dependency on foreign providers.
Are You Aligned With This Policy?
If your EDA believes Canada needs a Sovereign & Pro-Growth AI Framework, we invite you to support this submission on the Ideas Lab platform.
View & Endorse “A Vision for AI” on Ideas Lab →