The Group of Seven (G7) is meeting again to discuss economic and geopolitical issues from a global perspective. From June 15 to 17, the 2025 G7 Summit is taking place in Alberta, Canada, this year’s host nation where some of the world’s leading industrial nations are gathering to address urgent global matters. These include tariffs, wildfires, international strategy, and notably, a major spotlight on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. The attention on AI is unsurprising, given its transformative impact across sectors and its increasing presence in our daily lives. Canada is stepping up not just as a host, but with the ambition of taking a leading role in global AI leadership.
The AI Moment: Why It Matters Now
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, it is here, now. Almost every industry is being influenced by AI. At present, sectors like healthcare, education, energy, and defence are experiencing profound changes due to their integration with AI technologies. Countries across the world are racing to lead in AI development. The United States and China remain prominent players in this global race. However, with such rapid progress comes the urgent need for ethical frameworks, collaborative regulation, and responsible innovation.
Canada’s role becomes critically important here, as the country strongly upholds data privacy and security as cornerstones for ethical AI development. In recent years, Canada has made significant investments in AI, as part of its broader vision of becoming a global AI leader.
Canada’s Proven Leadership in AI
Canada has long been recognized as a global leader in AI. In fact, it was the first country to launch a national AI strategy, establishing itself at the forefront of research, funding, and policy innovation. Today, Canada is home to world-renowned AI researchers, a vibrant startup ecosystem, and internationally respected research centers. As of 2022, Canada was home to 10% of the world’s top AI researchers.
The recent appointment of a dedicated federal minister to oversee AI development further signals how seriously Canada is addressing the challenges and opportunities of this transformative technology.
The G7 and the Hiroshima AI Process (HAIP)
One of the most anticipated topics of discussion at this year’s summit is the Hiroshima AI Process (HAIP). Originally launched by Japan during the 2023 G7 Summit, HAIP aims to promote responsible and ethical AI development. At the 2024 summit in Italy, a voluntary reporting framework was introduced to help organizations stay accountable for how they design and deploy AI technologies.
Canada is now actively working to advance these efforts by supporting the operationalization of the HAIP Code of Conduct. The goal is to make ethical AI governance actionable, measurable, and globally aligned. This includes developing tools and technologies to monitor AI development and manage associated risks effectively.
Canada’s Support for Developing Nations
Canada’s involvement in AI at the G7 level also extends to helping developing countries leverage AI for economic growth, improved healthcare, and streamlined governance. When used ethically and responsibly, AI can be a game-changer. Canada advocates for equitable access to AI resources and global partnerships that support inclusive innovation.
Empowering Small Businesses and Governments with AI
In Canada, AI isn’t just for big tech companies. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly adopting AI to enhance operations, optimize workflows, and target customers more effectively. Similarly, government departments at both federal and provincial levels are exploring how AI can improve service delivery, decision-making, and policy implementation.
The Action Framework for Ethical AI
G7 leaders are also focusing on building structured frameworks that guide responsible AI development. This action framework addresses critical concerns, such as:
- Data privacy and protection
- Algorithmic transparency
- Risk management
- Information Sharing
- Long-term accountability
With Canada’s support, this framework will help nations remain responsible in their AI initiatives and ensure that AI technologies are safe, effective, and inclusive.
The Crucial Significance of Canada’s AI Contribution
Canada, as a multicultural society, has always been a leader in innovation, education, and research. These strengths have made Canada a key player in the global AI conversation. Its rich cultural diversity also contributes to training globally aware AI systems, which is essential for responsible and fair technology development.
A Nation Ready to Shape the Future
As the G7 Summit progresses, Canada’s role is clear. It’s not just about diplomacy, it’s about leadership in one of the defining technological arenas of our time. With strong initiatives aimed at AI governance, continued investment, trustworthy data ecosystems, and a deep commitment to innovation, Canada is uniquely positioned to help shape the global AI landscape.
From Alberta to the world stage, Canada’s voice will be heard loud and clear, not just as the summit host, but as a guiding force in the responsible evolution of artificial intelligence.