Canada’s AI Strategy: What It Means for the Electrical and Automation Sector
June 16, 2026
On June 4th the Federal government introduced ‘AI for All’, Canada’s new national artificial intelligence strategy.
Canada’s AI Strategy is creating new opportunities for electrical and automation manufacturers and distributors. Federal investments are focused on increasing AI adoption, expanding access to AI computing infrastructure, and supporting innovation in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing and energy.
1. Encouragement to adopt AI in operations.
Canada is explicitly trying to close an AI adoption gap: only about 12% of Canadian businesses use AI today, with a target of 60% by 2034. For electrical and automation firms, that points to AI in demand forecasting, inventory optimization, quoting, technical support, warehouse automation, predictive maintenance, and sales enablement. In addition the strategy emphasizes the need for work force development.
2. New opportunities in advanced manufacturing and energy.
The federal AI Compute Access Fund is meant to help Canadian businesses access AI compute, with priority areas including energy and advanced manufacturing. In addition, energy availability is recognized an asset and a current constraint: “Canada’s grid is among the cleanest in the world, but available power for large-scale AI buildout is limited today.” Power generation will continue to be at the centre of the conversation.
3. Demand for “sovereign” and trusted AI infrastructure.
Canada is emphasizing domestic AI compute, data protection, and reduced reliance on foreign platforms. This may increase customer preference for Canadian-hosted, secure, auditable AI tools especially in utilities, critical infrastructure, manufacturing, and building systems. Here is an article discussing how AI can be weaponized: https://apnews.com/article/canada-carney-artificial-intelligence-d8dfba818b84ccf5947f941731829254
4. Workforce skills and talent development will become increasingly important.
Canada’s AI Strategy continues to invest in AI research, commercialization, and talent development. Electrical and automation manufacturers and distributors will need employees who can work with AI-enabled tools, data analytics, automation platforms, and intelligent industrial systems.
5. Funding Opportunities
Electrical and automation manufacturers, distributors, and technology providers should monitor federal and provincial funding announcements for programs that can help offset investments in AI-enabled technologies, employee training, digital transformation, and productivity improvements.
Canada’s AI Strategy creates both a productivity mandate and a market opportunity. AI is part of digital transformation, cybersecurity, workforce development, and customer solution design. Sussex has provided a full summary of the 6 pillars, along with funding initiatives to support the national strategy.
View Sussex’s The Funding at a Glance overview.
