Overview
- Evan Solomon, a first-term MP for Toronto Centre and former journalist, has been appointed as Canada’s first dedicated Minister of AI and Digital Innovation.
- The new ministerial portfolio reflects the government’s commitment to advancing AI adoption, commercialization, and regulatory frameworks.
- Industry leaders have praised the move, emphasizing the need for targeted policies to attract talent, enhance AI infrastructure, and support startups.
- Canada’s AI global ranking has declined from fourth to eighth, with significant talent migration to the U.S., prompting calls for urgent action.
- Ottawa’s previously announced $2 billion AI compute and data-centre program remains a critical area of focus, with stakeholders awaiting funding disbursement.