Top Five Artificial Intelligence Trends Shaping Canada's Legal Landscape In 2026

Generative artificial intelligence ("AI") is poised to reshape the Canadian legal and regulatory landscape in 2026. As the Canadian government explores the domestic regulation of AI and businesses race to leverage AI technology, Canadians will have to navigate a changing terrain defined by both opportunity and heightened risk. This article highlights five AI trends that deserve particular attention in the year ahead, from the evolving regulatory landscape and growing scrutiny of ownership of AI outputs to questions about authorship, privacy and liability related to the use and misuse of the novel technology.

1. Navigating AI Amid Legislative Uncertainty

In June 2022, the Canadian government introduced Bill C-27, which included the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act ("AIDA"), a national framework to regulate AI systems in Canada's private sector. AIDA received widespread criticism, including disapproval for using an exclusionary consultation process and