Canada has taken a major step in its technology strategy by appointing Evan Solomon as its first-ever Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. Solomon, a former journalist and now Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, will lead a new ministry focused only on AI and digital technologies. His appointment shows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s strong commitment to making AI a key part of Canada’s economic and tech growth.
Until now, AI was managed under broader departments like innovation or industry. This new, focused ministry is seen as a response to the rapid growth of AI worldwide and Canada’s desire to benefit more from its strong AI research background.
Solomon will be in charge of creating national AI policies, working on possible rules for high-risk AI systems, and ensuring innovation is balanced with privacy and security. He will also help grow AI adoption, training, and business use across the country, while overseeing the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Although Canada helped shape global AI research, critics say the country hasn’t fully benefited economically. Many AI inventions from Canada are owned by foreign companies, and leading AI firms are mostly based abroad. The new ministry may also follow European-style tech regulations. With Prime Minister Carney’s strong ties to the UK and EU, Canada could look to Europe’s AI laws as a model.
