Montreal recently hosted the ALL IN 2026 conference, becoming a hub for Canada’s artificial intelligence (AI) dialogue. The event, held at the Palais des congrès, brought together thousands to explore AI’s potential while addressing concerns around safety, privacy, and public trust.
ALL IN 2026 featured a range of activities including workshops, real-world AI demonstrations, and startup competitions. Noteworthy was the joint commitment of up to $300 million from Canada and Germany to support LawZero, a Montreal-based non-profit founded by AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio. This investment aims to develop Scientist AI, an initiative focused on creating transparent, trustworthy, and safe advanced AI systems.
Canadian AI and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon emphasized the importance of responsible AI development, stating that the goal is to build AI ethically and with human oversight. The collaboration between Canada and Germany at the conference highlighted a shared commitment to strengthening technological sovereignty and fostering AI innovation.
While optimism about AI’s potential benefits was palpable at the conference, the need for responsible AI development was a key theme. Discussions at the event also touched on public trust in AI, its environmental impact, and the necessary infrastructure to support its advancements.
Attendees, including individuals from various professions and backgrounds, expressed diverse perspectives on AI. Some highlighted its usefulness as a tool for productivity and assistance, while others voiced concerns about privacy and potential job displacement. The dialogue around AI extended beyond the conference, with individuals in Montreal sharing mixed views on the technology’s implications.
ALL IN 2026 aimed to serve as a platform for global collaboration on safe and ethical AI development. With participants from over 50 countries, the conference facilitated discussions on building a more secure future for AI technology.
