AI Minister Evan Solomon wouldn’t say whether the government will commit funds to the strategy when it is released, but said Ottawa is ready to invest in companies, sovereign infrastructure and the race for talent. He spoke to reporters on the sidelines of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet retreat. (The Logic)

Talking point: The government initially planned to release the refreshed strategy last year, after hearing from a new task force, but it has delayed the rollout. Cabinet discussed the plans as they gathered in Quebec City Thursday and Friday before MPs return to Parliament on Monday, with Joelle Pineau, Cohere’s chief AI officer, invited to join their discussion. In a public speech before the meeting on Thursday, Carney said realizing AI’s potential will require “fundamental reforms” to Canada’s education systems, skills training and social welfare systems.