Tech industry hopeful about AI strategy but longing for more details

TORONTO — Tech companies are optimistic about the artificial intelligence strategy Prime Minister Mark Carney launched this morning but say its success will all come down to how he executes the plan.

The 50-page strategy promises funding, training and new support programs to boost tech companies and adoption but doesn’t break down how all the initiatives will work nor how quickly they will come.

Laurent Carbonneau from the Council of Canadian Innovators says the strategy takes a broad approach to laying out priorities but doesn’t offer a clear road map for helping Canadian AI companies grow into globally competitive firms.

He wanted to see more information about how the government will retain economic opportunities in Canada.

Louis Têtu, CEO at software firm Coveo, felt similarly. He says every time a domestic firm succeeds, U.S. buyers swoop in and talent seeps across the border.

Têtu is viewing the plan through a wait-and-see approach because he’s skeptical it will pour more money into AI companies.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2026.

Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press