The undeniable AI-5G convergence

Current COVID-19-related events and responses demonstrate the interconnectedness of our world. A virus that began in China has spread to more than 100 countries in a matter of weeks. From a technology point of view, connectivity is global and omnipresent—and 5G will take connectivity to a level that has never been seen before in human […]
The 5G opportunities are there, but is Canada ready to take advantage of them?

The introduction of 5G presents all Canadians with great opportunity, but Canada may not yet be in a position to capitalize on it. This is a situation that we must rectify. The technology of 5G will have an incredible impact on the future of economic productivity. It is transformational in that it enables lower latency […]
Artificial Intelligence and 5G
O’Regan putting nuclear ‘front and centre’ raises eyebrows, industry hopes

Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan’s recent declaration that the federal government is “placing nuclear energy front and centre” came as a surprise, according to some nuclear experts and industry stakeholders, but has left some excited about the prospect of more federal support. “I’m surprised at that language,” said NDP MP Richard Cannings (South Okanagan–West Kootenay, […]
Energy
Stop downgrading the role of Parliament

TORONTO—Our democratic system is in trouble, with MPs seen as out of touch with public needs and ineffective in dealing with public problems. One reason for this is the downgrading of the role of Parliament itself and the diminished role of individual MPs in shaping legislation or holding governments accountable. If we want to restore […]
The Canadian mandate: data governance for economic prosperity

The ministerial mandate letters are clear: there is a need to establish a new set of online rights focused on data use for Canadians. Three ministers in particular are charged with the main task of co-ordinating these new rights: innovation, science, and industry; heritage; and justice. Why such a focus on data? Simply put, there […]
‘Data, privacy, trade’: ministers tasked with AI file contending with fast, fundamental changes

From new ice forecasting techniques that help improve shipping safety in northern waters, to new tools involved with the reclamation of ancient Indigenous languages, to social media “chatbots” that respond to general questions about immigration and citizenship, the Canadian government is increasingly turning toward automated tools to solve tough problems, improve predictions, and cut down […]
How businesses can narrow the innovation gap in an AI-driven digital economy

Canada is pushing the new digital frontiers with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) research. Signs of an unfolding AI-driven digital economy can be seen almost everywhere: from lively labs and hubs with deep-learning researchers and high-tech startups in Toronto, Montréal, and other places, to the growing concentration of animated commentators, data scientists, venture capitalists, and global […]
Innovation, security will decide if 2020 is a year of fear or hope

There has been considerable speculation recently as to what life may be like for Canadians as we head into 2020, and beyond. Amplified by the perceptual effects of a turning decade, a palpable amount of political turmoil in world capitals, and incessant threats to our personal information, many are feeling uneasy. To better theorize about […]