Regional support through the expanded Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative to boost AI adoption and bring Canadian-made AI solutions to market

EDMONTON, AB, Oct. 22, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada, with Alberta playing a leading role, helped pioneer modern artificial intelligence. The next step is to ensure Canadian businesses can put that technology to work and that Canadian AI companies can build, sell and scale their solutions. On the Prairies, expanded support will help businesses and organizations use AI to become more productive, competitive and resilient while building on the region's strengths.

Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) announced the expansion of the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Part of AI for All, Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the expansion adds $500 million over five years, bringing total federal funding for the initiative to $700 million. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs), the expanded initiative will help businesses and organizations responsibly adopt and integrate AI technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness and resilience. Adoption support will place emphasis on projects in five priority sectors identified in Canada's AI Strategy: health and life sciences, energy and natural resources, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing and robotics, while also reflecting regional strengths and priorities.

The initiative will also help Canadian AI businesses gain customers, attract investment, and commercialize and scale Canadian-made products and services, while supporting organizations that provide small- and medium-sized enterprises with the specialized support they need to adopt or commercialize AI technologies.

In Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, PrairiesCan will support the adoption of AI to help Canadian business across priority sectors enhance productivity, growth, and competitiveness, increase AI productization and commercialization, and strengthen ecosystem enablement by supporting incubators, accelerators and other not-for-profits. Applications are open and will be accepted on a continuous basis until December 31, 2029, or until funding has been fully committed. Applicants are encouraged to submit expressions of interest as soon as possible for consideration under this initiative. 

Quotes

"Through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, our government is helping businesses across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba adopt AI, commercialize Canadian-made solutions and compete in a rapidly changing global economy. As part of AI for All, Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, this initiative will boost productivity, competitiveness and resilience for Prairie businesses and drive lasting economic growth across the region."
–The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

"Canada's AI strategy is delivering results for businesses, workers and communities across the country. The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative is AI for All in action, accelerating responsible AI adoption, helping Canadian innovators bring their technologies to market and scale globally, and strengthening the regional ecosystems that turn innovation into economic growth. This investment will help secure Canada's position as an AI leader and build a more productive, competitive and sovereign economy."
–The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada launched the original five-year, $200-million Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in 2024. With the additional $500 million through the expanded and enhanced RAII, the total investment through the initiative is $700 million.
• The initiative will support broader access to the benefits and opportunities of AI for Indigenous Peoples, youth, underrepresented groups and communities across Canada.
• AI for All, Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, supports accelerated AI adoption among Canadian businesses, with a particular focus on SMEs, and includes measures to expand access to financing, AI expertise and secure computing infrastructure, including through the LIFT program, the Compute Access Fund and other business supports.

Associated links

• Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces - Canada.ca
• Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
• Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative
• Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy AI for All

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SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada