Oct. 14, 2026, Canada — The government has announced an additional $500 million over five years to expand and enhance the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative is now available. This investment, announced by Evan Solomon, minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, brings total federal funding for the initiative to $700 million. “The question is not whether AI will reshape our economy. It is whether Canada will capture the opportunity,” Solomon said in a media release The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative will help Canadian businesses adopt AI and Canadian AI firms scale from here, so that the technology, talent and economic value we create remain anchored in Canada and under Canadian control.” Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), the expanded initiative will aim to help businesses and organizations responsibly adopt and integrate AI technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness and resilience. The support will focus primarily on sectors initially outlined in the AI for All strategy as pillar industries for the government, alongside other regional strengths and priorities. Those industries include manufacturing and robotics, health and life sciences, energy and natural resources, transportation and agriculture. To start applying now, businesses and organizations should visit the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative to learn more and connect with the RDA serving their region.