The Government of Canada has created an AI Source List with 73 pre-approved suppliers to provide Canada with responsible and effective AI services, solutions and products. The framework allows government agencies to expedite procurement from firms that have demonstrated that they are capable of providing quality AI goods and services.
Name in original language
AI Source List
Initiative overview
The initiative has the following objectives:Procurement vehicle to establish a pre-qualified list of suppliers (Source List) - who meet all of the mandatory criteria - to provide Canada with responsible and effective AI services, solutions and products.Qualified suppliers must demonstrate competence in AI ethics, as well as implementation and access to talent. Firms that responded to the Invitation to Qualify had to prove to an inter-disciplinary panel that they satisfied these requirements.The process of establishing and maintaining a list of AI service providers is an important way for the Government of Canada to engage with private companies in longer-term relationships. This dialogue facilitates the development of shared expectations and mutual understanding of the challenges faced by private companies which are relevant to public sector organisations.The framework has three bands with escalating requirements. The lowest band has less stringent requirements, making it easier for small start-ups to qualify, thereby driving innovation and creating a deeper market.
Name of responsible organisation (in English)
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS)
