Provincial AI strategy could protect residents, scale Sask. workforce: advocates

Provincial AI strategy could protect residents, scale Sask. workforce: advocates

https://globalnews.ca/news/11914167/provincial-ai-strategy-residents-sask-workforce-advocates/

Publish Date: 2026-06-19 20:02:00

Source Domain: globalnews.ca

• Federal and Provincial AI Strategy: Canada’s new national AI strategy, announced on June 4, includes six focus pillars aiming to scale and secure the sector. Advocates in Saskatchewan believe a provincial AI strategy could complement this federal framework and help local industries.

• Need for Provincial AI Strategy: Unlike Ontario and Alberta, Saskatchewan lacks an AI strategy. Advocates argue that such a provincial strategy could aid in job protection and workforce scaling.

• Support for Tech Sector Development: Alex Fallon of Artificial Intelligence Saskatchewan (AiSK) suggests that government support for the tech sector is crucial for retaining local talent and attracting new talent, facilitating the growth of startups and medium-sized companies.

• Support for AI Adoption: Innovation Saskatchewan supports AI’s safe adoption and offers educational opportunities to help local businesses implement AI tailored to their specific capacity and needs.

• AI Application in Key Sectors: Phil Harder, VP of Data Science at Croptimistic, highlights the potential for AI in key Saskatchewan sectors such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.

• Privacy and Ethical Concerns: Grace Hession David, Saskatchewan’s information and privacy commissioner, emphasizes the necessity for a provincial strategy to address potential risks such as deepfakes and mass surveillance, advocating for education as the best defense against these threats.

• Recognition of Innovation: Croptimistic’s recognition by AI Minister Evan Solomon during the announcement of the national strategy symbolizes the province’s burgeoning interest in and use of AI.