This blog is part of the AI worldwide tour series, which highlights customers from around the globe who are embracing AI to achieve more. Read about how customers are using responsible AI to drive social impact and business transformation with Global AI innovation.
Generative AI adoption is officially on the rise in Canada. According to KPMG’s Generative AI Adoption Index, nearly half of Canadians use generative AI in their jobs—65% of those using it daily—however, only 18% of Canadian employers report having formally deployed AI tools to their workforce and putting guiding policies in place.1 Further, Canada trails its peers in generative AI adoption and public trust, highlighting significant untapped potential.
In fact, with $187 billion in potential economic impact by 2030, plus $7 billion from innovative generative AI products and services, Canada stands at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey. Many leaders recognize the urgency of accelerating AI adoption to unlock this opportunity and remain globally competitive. As a result, the nation is advancing responsible AI practices, workforce development, and infrastructure growth through strategic partnerships between government, public organizations, and industry leaders like Microsoft. These collaborations aim to position Canada as a global leader in harnessing AI for both economic growth and societal progress.
This vision was brought to life at the recent Microsoft AI Tour stop in Toronto, Canada, where forward-thinking Canadian organizations showcased how they are embracing AI to tackle industry challenges and seize opportunities. Through these efforts, Canada is not only addressing present challenges but also paving the way for a future where AI drives meaningful innovation and transformation.
The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) is the first Canadian hospital to trial DAX Copilot—a Microsoft solution that uses AI to create draft clinical notes for physicians during patient appointments. By saving physicians time and effort in preparing patient charts, the hospital hopes to increase access to care for patients and reduce physician burnout.
DAX Copilot uses advanced AI to securely record doctor-patient conversations, transcribe into medical notes for review, and upload to the hospital’s electronic health records system. Patients provide consent and can also access their appointment notes through their online patient portal. DAX Copilot reduces administrative burdens and addresses the pressing issue of clinician burnout, letting Ottawa Hospital physicians spend more time with patients. Backed by Microsoft’s responsible AI principles, it streamlines documentation for better care.
Metrolinx, Ontario’s public transportation agency, is embracing the transformative power of AI to enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and ensure a secure and seamless experience for commuters.
Metrolinx PRESTO is using generative AI and machine learning to analyze and categorize free-text survey responses, making it easier to understand and respond to resident feedback. This approach reduces manual effort, minimizes bias, and provides faster, more actionable insights. By streamlining data processing and simplifying deployment, the system enhances decision-making and helps Metrolinx stay flexible and customer focused.
PRESTO is further transforming customer interactions through the implementation of PRESTO’s AI-powered B2C Webchat Copilot. Designed to provide a frictionless, inclusive, and accessible experience, empowering users to easily resolve issues, payment inquiries, and additional self serve capability. Integrated into the PRESTO website and app, the chatbot addresses customer needs directly while offering seamless escalation to live agents when necessary. These agents, equipped with the Customer Service Copilot, ensure swift and accurate resolutions. This initiative reflects Metrolinx’s commitment to social equity and customer-centricity, aligning with its broader mission to enhance operational efficiency and accessibility for commuters.
Bringing employees, partners, and key stakeholders along on their AI journey, PRESTO continues to explore and adopt AI innovation as they look to what’s next to better serve commuters. Metrolinx is setting a benchmark for how government entities can embrace AI responsibly and effectively, while positioning the agency as a leader in innovative and commuter-centric public services.
Canadian Tire has turned to AI to address the significant challenges related to changing demands for digital solutions, processing vast amounts of data, and achieving operational efficiencies.
During the pandemic, Canadian Tire leveraged AI and Microsoft Teams to develop a robust curbside delivery system, streamlining order management, ensuring timely deliveries, and providing a safe and seamless customer experience. Automation also played a crucial role, reducing manual errors and improving operational efficiency by handling repetitive tasks. The curbside delivery system tripled online sales during the pandemic, demonstrating Canadian Tire’s ability to adapt to shifting consumer needs. Additionally, these innovations significantly improved customer satisfaction by offering a seamless digital experience.
Looking ahead, Canadian Tire is exploring the use of AI to further personalize customer experiences, optimize supply chain logistics, and predict market trends, and plans to expand its integration of cloud technologies and machine learning models to refine inventory management and drive sustainable retail practices, ensuring it remains a leader in digital transformation within the retail sector.
Now is the time for Canada to unlock its AI potential. Generative AI has the potential to add $187 billion to the economy by 2030, presenting a unique opportunity for governments, industry, and civil society to collaborate and harness AI as a force for good—driving growth, creating jobs, and shaping a better future for all Canadians.
microsoft collaborates with organizations to skill canadians in generative ai
Read the blogAt Microsoft, we are committed to making this vision a reality. By investing in skills, infrastructure, and partnerships, we are working to ensure the AI economy benefits everyone. From helping Canadian organizations adopt AI responsibly to advancing solutions for real-world challenges, we are dedicated to driving meaningful transformation across industries.
Through purposeful collaboration, we can maximize AI’s potential to strengthen Canada’s economy and enhance society. The time to act is now. Let’s shape the future, together.
As our Microsoft AI Tour reached Brussels, Paris, and Berlin recently, we met with European organizations that were energized by the possibilities of our latest AI technologies and engaged in deployment projects. They were also alert to the fact that 2025 is the year that key obligations under the European Union’s AI Act come into effect, opening a new chapter in digital regulation as the world’s first, comprehensive AI law becomes a reality.
Drawing from our experience, we’ve identified eight main lessons that can help business leaders align AI red teaming efforts with real-world risks.
Nonprofits are using Microsoft 365 Copilot to increase inclusion internally and champion equity in the communities they serve.
