Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta and Quebec have announced a new interprovincial partnership to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in government, with both provinces aiming to improve public services, modernize operations and reduce costs through shared innovation.
The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will allow the two provinces to collaborate on AI policy, governance, workforce training and digital transformation. Officials say the initiative is intended to help governments deliver services more efficiently while ensuring responsible implementation of emerging technologies.
Under the pact, Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish joined Quebec’s Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Technology France-Élaine Duranceau, along with Minister Responsible for Canadian Relations Jean Boulet, in signing the cooperation agreement.
A joint steering committee comprising representatives from both governments will oversee the partnership. The panel will identify areas for collaboration, develop pilot projects, prepare a shared implementation roadmap and regularly review progress.
The collaboration will involve exchanging best practices in AI deployment, sharing training resources for public servants and, where feasible, making technological assets such as software tools, documentation and source code available to each other.
Alberta highlighted its recent initiatives, including the Alberta AI Academy, which has provided AI-related training to thousands of government employees. The province has also introduced AI-powered workplace tools and developed internal guidelines to regulate their use across departments.
Quebec, meanwhile, said the partnership would help accelerate digital modernization by leveraging solutions that have already been developed instead of creating new systems independently. Officials believe AI can improve administrative efficiency by reducing processing times for applications, requests and government services.
Both provinces have emphasized that the agreement is designed to promote practical applications of artificial intelligence while maintaining appropriate oversight, transparency and accountability.
The initiative marks another step in growing provincial cooperation on digital governance, with Alberta and Quebec seeking to position themselves at the forefront of AI-driven public sector innovation in Canada.
