Federal Government Spent More Than $800M on AI Contracts, Licensing Over 3 Years

Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon (L), shakes hands with Aidan Gomez of Cohere after participating in a talk at the All In AI conference in Montreal on Sept. 25, 2025. The Canadian Press/Christopher KatsarovOttawa has spent more than $800 million on artificial intelligence technology since 2023, according to data provided by the federal government.The sum includes two previously announced deals: a $350 million public service contract with Dayforce to replace the troubled Phoenix pay system and a $240 million investment in the AI company Cohere.