Karim Bardeesy moved, — That pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), given the imperative for Canada’s self-reliance in national defence and security, and the significant level of investment announced, the committee study the opportunity to use a defence industrial strategy to regenerate and further develop sovereign capabilities of Canada’s industrial ecosystem and procurement opportunities for Canadian businesses. This includes areas such as aerospace, digital technologies, cyber security, vehicle and arms manufacturing, heavy industry, scientific research, advanced materials, and the bioeconomy; that the committee invite representatives from the Department of National Defence and the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development to appear on this study; that the committee hold a minimum of six (6) meetings on this study, to conclude no later than November 5th; and that the committee report its findings to the House.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), given the imperative for Canada’s self-reliance in national defence and security, and the significant level of investment announced, the committee study the opportunity to use a defence industrial strategy to regenerate and further develop sovereign capabilities of Canada’s industrial ecosystem and procurement opportunities for Canadian businesses. This includes areas such as aerospace, digital technologies, cyber security, vehicle and arms manufacturing, heavy industry, scientific research, advanced materials, and the bioeconomy; that the committee invite Ministers and representatives from the Department of National Defence and the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development to appear on this study; that the committee hold a minimum of six (6) meetings on this study, to conclude no later than November 5th; and that the committee report its findings to the House.

On motion of Gabriel Ste-Marie, it was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee undertake a study on the current status of data sovereignty, opportunities, challenges, and regulatory needs related to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in strategic industrial sectors in Canada;

That this study focus in particular on:

• The use of AI in strategic industries, particularly in construction and manufacturing;
• The protection of personal data and Quebec's and Canada's exposure to foreign companies and their personal information management policies;
• The development opportunities for artificial intelligence companies in Canada and Quebec;
• The legislation that should be developed at the federal level to regulate these companies;
• The issue of copyright protection;
• The government's current plan for this industry;
• The connections between quantum computing and AI.

That the Committee invite the following witnesses to testify:

• The Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and relevant representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada;
• Specialist Yoshua Bengio;
• MILA
• Scale AI Canada
• European specialist Giuliano Da Empoli;
• Cohere
• Personnel responsible for Bell’s AI Fabric
• Personnel responsible for TELUS’ Sovereign AI Factory
• Any witnesses the Committee deems necessary to hear;

That the Committee invite the HUMA and ETHI committees to examine topics related to their committee mandates and to provide us with their recommendations, if any.

That the Committee dedicate a minimum of five meetings to this study and that the Committee report its findings and recommendations to the House.

It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $500.00, for the briefing on the Office of the Competition Bureau of Canada, be adopted.

It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $500.00, for the briefing with the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, be adopted.

At 11:33 a.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 11:46 a.m., the meeting resumed.