Based on coverage from CBC, CTV, BetaKit, Times Colonist, and Mobile Syrup.
In a move that could redefine the role of artificial intelligence in Canadian public services, the federal government has inked a partnership with Toronto-based AI company Cohere. This collaboration aims to explore how AI can streamline and enhance government operations, marking a significant step in Prime Minister Mark Carney's vision to modernize public services through technology.
Cohere, a rising star in the AI sector, is known for developing large language models that are particularly adept at handling complex language tasks. These models are designed to make systems smarter, faster, and more secure—a trifecta that aligns perfectly with the government's objectives. According to Sofia Ouslis, spokesperson for the newly minted Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, this partnership is an "early-stage collaboration" focused on identifying practical applications of Cohere's AI tools in public services. While there are no financial commitments or strict deadlines attached, the government is eager to see tangible results.
This agreement comes at a time when Cohere is riding high on a wave of success. The company recently secured a whopping $500 million USD in funding, co-led by Canadian firms Radical Ventures and Inovia Capital. This funding round is a beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape for Canadian venture capital, which has seen a downturn reminiscent of the early pandemic days. The deal not only underscores Cohere's potential but also highlights the challenges Canadian VCs face in competing with their American counterparts, who often dominate the later stages of funding rounds.
Despite its success, Cohere isn't without its controversies. The company is currently embroiled in a legal battle with several U.S. media companies, including Condé Nast and Forbes Media, over allegations of copyright infringement. These publishers claim that Cohere used their articles to train its AI models without permission. Cohere has countered these claims, arguing that the publishers have misunderstood its work and misused its tools to fabricate a case. While the lawsuit looms, it hasn't dampened the enthusiasm surrounding Cohere's potential to revolutionize public services.
The partnership with Cohere is part of a broader government strategy to harness AI's transformative power while fostering a robust, homegrown tech sector. Minister Solomon emphasized the importance of leveraging Canadian innovation to enhance public services, stating, "There’s no better place to leverage the innovative technology of artificial intelligence than here in our own backyard." This sentiment is echoed by Cohere CEO Aidan Gomez, who believes that AI will "supercharge economic productivity, fortify national security, and future-proof Canada’s competitiveness."
However, the road ahead isn't without its hurdles. Canada faces a "crisis moment," as described by AI Minister Solomon, with challenges in retaining AI talent and intellectual property. The partnership with Cohere is a step towards addressing these issues, but it's clear that one company alone can't shoulder the burden of an entire sector.
As the government and Cohere embark on this collaborative journey, the stakes are high. The potential to improve public services and bolster Canada's position in the global AI race is immense. Yet, the success of this partnership will depend on navigating the complexities of AI deployment responsibly and effectively. For now, all eyes are on Cohere as it takes on the dual challenge of transforming public services and proving that Canadian AI can compete on the world stage.
