In a recent white paper, Professor Maxime Cohen, Academic Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management and Scale AI Chair in Data Science for Retail at the Desautels Faculty of Management, examines Canada’s position in the dynamic global AI landscape. Drawing on academic research and industry insights, he discusses how Canada’s early leadership in artificial intelligence stemmed from world-class universities, robust public investment, and a dedication to responsible AI development.
Cohen notes that, although Canada is still highly regarded for its research and talent pipeline, it now faces mounting obstacles. These challenges include retaining top graduates, supporting the growth of startups, increasing access to advanced computing resources and fostering broader AI adoption across business and government. He points out that other nations are advancing more rapidly and investing more aggressively.
Instead of competing solely on scale, Cohen argues that Canada’s advantage lies in cultivating a trusted, socially responsible AI ecosystem that delivers tangible, real-world benefits. Sectors such as healthcare, finance, supply chains, and public administration are identified as areas of significant promise. The paper also underscores the pivotal role of management education at institutions like McGill Desautels in equipping leaders to drive responsible and effective AI-driven transformation.
Read the paper
The State of AI in Canada: Challenges, Opportunities, and Calls to Action | Maxime C. Cohen (January 6, 2026)
