Canada: Technology

The Government of Canada has launched the Defence Drone Initiative, a cross-government program designed to accelerate the development and deployment of uncrewed and autonomous systems for military and coast guard operations. With six priority areas ranging from tactical surveillance drones to long-range precision strike systems, the initiative opens new opportunities for Canadian businesses across the innovation spectrum. The Request for Supply Arrangement is open now, with a closing date of August 14, 2026

Canada and Singapore have emerged as leading AI research hubs with distinct patent prosecution frameworks. While both jurisdictions reject AI as an inventor, they diverge sharply on software patent eligibility—Singapore offers fast, predictable examination through its technical contribution test, while Canada demands careful claim drafting that integrates AI algorithms with physical systems under its post-Choueifaty purposive construction approach.

Waymo, the self-driving car service, is setting its sights on Toronto as a potential expansion market. The autonomous vehicle company's interest in Canada's largest city raises questions about regulatory frameworks, technological readiness, and the future of urban transportation in the region.

Artificial intelligence is transforming construction project scheduling in Ontario, but when AI-generated schedules contain errors leading to delays and cost overruns, determining liability becomes complex. This analysis examines whether software vendors, professional schedulers, or contractors will bear responsibility when algorithmic scheduling tools fail, and outlines practical risk management steps for construction industry participants.

The International Maritime Organization has adopted a groundbreaking regulatory framework for autonomous shipping that will reshape maritime operations. This analysis examines the four-tiered MASS Code system, from automated decision-support to fully autonomous vessels, and explores how Canada's existing oversight policies may inform future adoption. Critical questions remain about liability allocation, insurance coverage, and the applicability of traditional maritime law when human decision-makers are remo

A recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision clarifies when employers can claim copyright ownership over work created by employees, revealing that even when an employee secretly builds a competing product while on the payroll, the employer may have no copyright claim if the work falls outside the employee's actual job responsibilities. The ruling underscores critical gaps in employment agreements and highlights five practical steps employers should take to protect their intellectual property rights.

Canadian lenders are increasingly encountering borrowers that operate in the defence or defence-adjacent sector.

On February 17, 2026, Canada released its first Defence Industrial Strategy (the Strategy)—a comprehensive blueprint designed to both protect Canada's security and boost economic...

The 2026 Proptech in Canada report is out. It looks at what's driving innovation and change in the built world, the status of proptech and key trends to watch in the coming year.