Canada Teams Up with Cohere for AI Innovation Boost

Published Date : 19/08/2025 

The Canadian government has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Cohere, a leading Toronto-based artificial intelligence startup, to promote Canadian AI technologies and enhance government operations. 

The Canadian government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cohere Inc., a prominent Toronto-based artificial intelligence startup. This collaboration aims to promote Canadian AI technologies and explore how AI can be utilized to enhance government operations.

Newly elected MP and former journalist Evan Solomon, who serves as Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “There’s no better place to leverage the innovative technology of artificial intelligence than here in our own backyard, and no better use than in the service of Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” Solomon said in a news release.

By working with Canadian AI innovators like Cohere, the government is laying the groundwork for a more efficient, effective, and productive public service while ensuring Canada remains competitive in the digital era. “By working with Canadian AI innovators like Cohere, we’re laying the groundwork for a more efficient, effective and productive public service while helping ensure that Canada remains competitive in this new digital era,” Solomon added.

Cohere, founded in 2019, has a significant valuation of US$6.8 billion and has partnered with major Canadian and international companies such as Dell, Oracle, RBC, and Bell. The company builds advanced AI models that can be integrated into various sectors, from healthcare to finance.

Aidan Gomez, CEO of Cohere, highlighted the potential impact of AI on the Canadian economy. “AI will supercharge economic productivity, fortify national security, and future-proof Canada’s competitiveness,” Gomez stated. “That’s why building this technology and developing the next generation of AI talent right here in Canada is essential.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has placed a strong emphasis on the economic potential of AI, committing to investments in AI training, adoption, and commercialization. “This MOU with Cohere is an opportunity to explore how sovereign AI can strengthen public services, protect our digital sovereignty, and create opportunities for Canadians,” Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement, said in the news release.

By engaging with home-grown innovators, the government aims to better understand and harness the potential of these technologies, ensure they are developed and deployed responsibly, and position the Government of Canada as a strong market for Canadian AI solutions. “By engaging with home-grown innovators, we can better understand and harness the potential of these technologies, ensure they are developed and deployed responsibly, and help position the Government of Canada as a strong market for Canadian AI solutions,” Lightbound added. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the purpose of the MOU between the Canadian government and Cohere Inc.?

A: The MOU aims to promote Canadian AI technologies and explore how AI can be used to enhance government operations, making them more efficient and effective.

Q: Who is Evan Solomon and what is his role in this partnership?

A: Evan Solomon is a newly elected MP and former journalist who serves as Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

Q: What is the valuation of Cohere Inc. and what companies has it partnered with?

A: Cohere Inc. has a valuation of US$6.8 billion and has partnered with major companies such as Dell, Oracle, RBC, and Bell.

Q: How does the Canadian government plan to use AI to benefit the country?

A: The government plans to use AI to supercharge economic productivity, fortify national security, and future-proof Canada’s competitiveness, while also ensuring the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.

Q: What is the role of the Government of Canada in promoting AI solutions?

A: The Government of Canada aims to better understand and harness the potential of AI technologies, ensure they are developed and deployed responsibly, and position Canada as a strong market for Canadian AI solutions. 

More Related Topics :