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Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton have received the 2024 ACM A.M. Turing Award for their foundational work in reinforcement learning, a major pillar of artificial intelligence. Their research, dating back to the 1980s, introduced key algorithms such as temporal difference learning.

Sutton, a University of Alberta professor and former DeepMind scientist, and Barto, a professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, co-authored Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction, the field’s definitive text. While widely celebrated, Sutton remains skeptical of AI’s current trajectory, arguing that today’s systems mimic intelligence but fail to learn from experience.

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The U.S. has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% on energy imports, breaking a 30-day trade truce. Canada retaliated with tariffs on $30 billion in U.S. goods, with potential escalation to $155 billion. Canadian tech leaders and business groups condemned the move, calling for economic diversification and government support.

Startup founders report soaring costs, with Healthybud paying triple shipping fees and SRTX laying off 40% of staff. Despite challenges, some Canadian businesses are seeing increased domestic demand, with Costco Canada and Tre’Dish prioritizing homegrown products. The trade war’s full impact remains to be seen.

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The battle for Western Canada’s tech crown is heating up as Calgary gains ground on Vancouver. Alberta’s low taxes, affordable housing, and aggressive recruitment through the “Alberta is Calling” campaign have drawn skilled workers away from B.C. Venture capital in Alberta outpaced B.C.’s for the first time in early 2024, though Vancouver still leads in deal value and established tech firms.

Experts warn B.C. risks losing its edge due to high taxes and business costs, while Calgary still lacks anchor tech firms to cement its rise. The West’s tech power dynamic is shifting.

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The Government of Canada has unveiled its first AI Strategy for the federal public service, aimed at enhancing operations, improving digital services, and ensuring responsible AI use. Announced by Treasury Board President Ginette Petitpas Taylor at the University of Waterloo, the Strategy focuses on four key areas: an AI Centre of Expertise, security and accountability, talent development, and public transparency.

The initiative seeks to remove barriers to AI adoption, modernize legacy systems, and drive interdepartmental collaboration. The federal government aims to position Canada as a leader in AI innovation while ensuring ethical and secure implementation.

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