CAICB Startup Support Program

Canada has no federal AI law for businesses today. The Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) died with Bill C-27 in January 2025. That doesn't let startups off the hook: privacy law applies now, customers and investors ask hard questions about AI, and the EU AI Act already applies if you sell into Europe. The Startup Support Program helps you build trust in your AI product from day one, without slowing you down.

What the program helps you do

  • Meet the rules that apply today: PIPEDA, Quebec Law 25's rules on automated decisions, and readiness for Bill C-36 (introduced June 15, 2026, now at second reading) in case it passes.
  • Protect your data and your customers' data: practical security steps aligned with the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's guidance on generative AI.
  • Show your AI is fair and explainable: bias checks, plain-language documentation of your model, and a transparency summary customers can read.
  • Pass investor and buyer due diligence: a ready set of AI governance documents.
  • Sell into Europe with fewer surprises: map your product against the EU AI Act's risk categories. Its transparency rules have applied since August 2, 2026 (older systems have until December 2, 2026 to mark AI-generated content), and its high-risk rules apply from December 2, 2027.
  • Prepare for ISO/IEC 42001: a gap review before you hire an accredited certification body.

CAICB Responsible AI Review – Coming Soon

A voluntary, independent review against published frameworks: NIST AI RMF, ISO/IEC 42001, the OECD AI Principles and Canadian privacy law. It is not a government certification and not an ISO certificate. When Canada's planned Trusted AI Certification program publishes its criteria, we will align the review with it.

1. Application and AI inventory

2. Privacy and security review

3. Risk and fairness assessment

4. Governance check: policy, owners and incident plan

5. Independent reviewer sign-off, on-site where needed

6. Outcome: a Gold, Silver or Bronze rating with a written report

7. Annual renewal to keep pace with new laws

CAICB is an independent Canadian not-for-profit, not a government agency. This page is not legal advice. Last reviewed: September 30, 2026.

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