AI shouldn’t only benefit ultra-wealthy 'oligarchs,' Trudeau tells global AI summit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivers remarks at Project Syndicate’s Sustainable AI and Energy Session at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit at the Grand Palais in Paris, France on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

PARIS — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the world needs regulation to ensure artificial intelligence doesn’t only benefit “oligarchs.”

Trudeau, who is attending a global conference on AI in Paris today, says that while the goal isn’t to stop progress, the technology needs guardrails, transparency and accountability.

He says the benefits of AI must be enjoyed by high and low-income countries, and should not be restricted to a small group of ultra-rich “oligarchs” who are only concerned about their stock portfolios.

His comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration — which has been friendly with the tech sector — pushes back on international efforts to regulate artificial intelligence.

Trump said Sunday he would impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including imports from Canada, and said again he wants to see Canada become the 51st U.S. state.

Trudeau also used his speech to elaborate on plans to put AI on the agenda of the upcoming G7 summit and to pitch Canada as a place for AI investment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 10, 2025.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press