Leaders call for federal budget to prioritise SMBs, inclusive AI
In anticipation of the Canadian federal budget for 2025, various industry stakeholders have called for targeted government action to address the challenges and opportunities posed by digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and changing workforce dynamics.
Support for small businesses
Cinzia Bazzo, Managing Director of Sage Canada, has urged policymakers to place small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the centre of their economic strategy. Bazzo advocates for a Digital and AI Investment Tax Credit, payroll relief, and a national Scale-Up Support Package.
"Canada is at a hinge moment, and small businesses must be at the heart of our economic response. As the government prepares its budget, Sage advocates for a Digital and AI Investment Tax Credit, payroll relief, and a national Scale-Up Support Package. SMEs are the backbone of our economy, and with the right support, they'll be the engine of our recovery," said Cinzia. "With the government's plans to unveil Canada's refreshed AI Strategy, we urge them to embed SME digital adoption at its core. Canada is transforming, and we can't afford to leave small businesses behind."
Empowering women in the AI workforce
The government's previously announced investment of CAD $382.5 million over five years to encourage women's economic participation and leadership is also drawing attention. Sarah Stockdale, Founder and CEO of marketing training firm Growclass, suggests the funding could become a pivotal element in future-proofing the workforce, if it is directed towards building genuine ownership and strategic use of AI among women.
"If women aren't part of building the AI economy, they'll be pushed out of it. This funding needs to do more than just provide access - it should create real ownership. Women need to be starting companies, building the tools, and shaping how AI changes work. When we equip women with the tools to use AI strategically, or start ventures that do, we protect jobs and build new engines for growth."
Stockdale notes that jobs typically held by women face twice the risk of disruption from AI compared to other sectors. Despite this vulnerability, data from Growclass indicates that women in Canada adopt AI workplace tools at a lower rate, approximately 25 per cent less than men, and report less confidence and access to formal AI training.
She points to emerging trends, such as return-to-office mandates and restrictive workplace policies, which are pushing more women toward entrepreneurship. She states that such structural changes could be leveraged with strategic investment to drive productivity.
Justice-centred AI investment
As policymakers look to expand AI investments, Canadian experts are stressing the need to embed protections for human, worker, and creator rights into the budget. Terra Loire Gillespie, a digital strategy consultant who works with nonprofits and unions, says that while significant AI funding is expected, there must also be a focus on equitable, pro-human safeguards.
"Canada is poised for major AI investment due to Mark Carney and Evan Soloman's budget preparation. However, AI investment without a justice lens risks subsidized oppression. While deep-pocketed tech companies lobbied for heavy AI funding, others like Action Canada, EGALE, CUPE, SOCAN, and Canadian Shield recommended safeguards to protect human, worker, creator rights, and sovereignty," they said. "If the budget funds AI without adopting these safeguards, we must question why. This is pro-humanity, not anti-technology."
Gillespie calls on the government to ensure AI budgets do not sideline these concerns and emphasises the importance of holding policymakers accountable where recommendations are not followed.
