Artificial IntelligenceRegulations

Canada

Lapsed / failedApproach: Proposed federal act lapsed; voluntary code plus provincial rules

Canada's proposed federal AI law, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), died when Bill C-27 lapsed on the January 2025 prorogation of Parliament. It never became law and has not been reintroduced as of mid-2026. For now, AI in Canada is governed by existing privacy law, a voluntary code of conduct for advanced generative systems, and provincial measures such as Ontario's public-sector Bill 194 and Quebec's Law 25.

Key points

  • AIDA was part of Bill C-27 and never received Royal Assent; it lapsed on prorogation in January 2025.
  • No successor federal AI bill has been enacted as of mid-2026.
  • A voluntary code of conduct governs advanced generative AI in the interim.
  • Provinces are active: Ontario Bill 194 covers public-sector AI; Quebec Law 25 drives privacy obligations that reach AI indirectly.

Laws and instruments

Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA)

Part of Bill C-27 (44th Parliament)
Lapsed / failed

Would have regulated 'high-impact' AI systems with risk-assessment, bias-mitigation, and monitoring duties. Died when Parliament was prorogued.

Effective: Never in force; lapsed Jan 2025
Primary source: Parliament of Canada, LEGISinfo ↗

Voluntary Code of Conduct on Advanced Generative AI

ISED, 2023
In force

A signatory-based code setting expectations for safety, transparency, and accountability among advanced generative-AI developers while binding legislation is absent.

Effective: Voluntary
Primary source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada ↗

Timeline

  • 2022
    AIDA introduced within Bill C-27.
  • Jan 6, 2025
    Parliament prorogued; AIDA lapses.
  • 2025-2026
    No federal replacement enacted; provinces continue to legislate.

Who it applies to

No comprehensive federal scope in force. Provincial and privacy law applies, plus the voluntary code for signatories.

Penalties

No federal AI-specific penalties. Privacy regulators and provincial statutes provide the enforcement backstop.

Common questions

Does Canada have a comprehensive AI law?
Canada has no comprehensive AI statute. Canada's proposed federal AI law, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), died when Bill C-27 lapsed on the January 2025 prorogation of Parliament. It never became law and has not been reintroduced as of mid-2026. For now, AI in Canada is governed by existing privacy law, a voluntary code of conduct for advanced generative systems, and provincial measures such as Ontario's public-sector Bill 194 and Quebec's Law 25.
What are the penalties for AI violations in Canada?
No federal AI-specific penalties. Privacy regulators and provincial statutes provide the enforcement backstop.
Who does AI regulation in Canada apply to?
No comprehensive federal scope in force. Provincial and privacy law applies, plus the voluntary code for signatories.
Related topics
High-risk systemsAutomated decisions and employment
Cite this page

Artificial Intelligence Regulations, "AI Regulation in Canada," reviewed July 15, 2026, https://artificialintelligenceregulations.com/jurisdictions/canada.html.

Entries state the position as of the review date and link to the primary text for verification.