Canada needs a ‘good mix’ of new tech like drones, AI: NATO commander

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Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 18:50:51.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Technology, Finance]

As Canada prepares to detail its defence spending plans in the upcoming federal budget to meet NATO's 2% GDP target this year and a 5% GDP target by 2035, senior NATO officials emphasize integrating a mix of advanced technologies like AI targeting and drones. Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, noted during exercises in Latvia involving Canadian Armed Forces personnel from Operation Reassurance that unmanned systems enhance the lethality and survivability of traditional military assets. The Department of National Defence recently launched the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) to supply new drone tech to the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Coast Guard while bolstering domestic manufacturing. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Budget Office analysis indicates core defence spending would need to scale significantly from $95.7 billion in 2030 to $163.7 billion in 2035–36 to meet long-term alliance commitments.

Atlantic Canadian businesses can now apply for nearly $40M in AI funding

Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
Date: 2026-10-14 18:00:00.0
Tags: [Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, National, Technology, Economy, Industry, Finance]

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency has launched a federal funding program offering nearly $40 million for small and medium-sized businesses pursuing large-scale artificial intelligence projects costing at least $1 million. The funding supports two primary tracks: adopting AI into internal business operations, such as proposal development tools utilized by Cabco Technologies, or developing new AI solutions to bring to market. Applications for the program remain open until November 20. The initiative aims to address a regional adoption gap highlighted by the Atlantic Economic Panel, which reported that approximately 15 per cent of Atlantic Canadian businesses with 10 or more employees use AI, compared to 20 per cent nationally.

Open banking a risk, and opportunity for big banks

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-04 12:37:21.0
Tags: [National, Finance, Technology, Economy]

The federal Department of Finance advanced the implementation of open banking (consumer-driven banking) by publishing proposed regulations and holding a 60-day comment period ending in August 2024 following the 2024 federal budget. The Department of Finance estimates the 10-year implementation cost at approximately $457.7 million, while projecting $13.2 billion in benefits to consumers and businesses. The framework aims to eliminate risky screen-scraping practices utilized by roughly nine million Canadians, with the Financial Data and Technology Association estimating consumer access could begin by late 2027.

Canada won't pay directly into EU budget under Carney's plan: ambassador-designate

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-19 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Defence, Technology, Finance, Governance]

Incoming EU Ambassador-Designate Jonathan Wilkinson announced that Canada will not pay directly into the European Union budget under Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposed "unique alliance." However, Canada may contribute funding to specific strategic programs, such as the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence loan program, Horizon research initiatives, and Erasmus+ student exchanges. Carney formally outlined his vision for the partnership before the European Parliament, aiming for seamless digital trade, critical mineral investments, and AI safety protocols, while facing skepticism from some European politicians and tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.