In a historic move signaling Canada's commitment to technological advancement, Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Evan Solomon as the country's first-ever Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation.
Solomon, a former broadcaster with CBC and CTV and newly elected Liberal MP for Toronto Centre, steps into this pioneering role at a critical juncture for Canada's AI ambitions. His appointment on May 13, 2025, elevates AI governance to the cabinet level, previously handled under broader innovation portfolios.
The creation of a dedicated AI ministry reflects Carney's strategic vision to position Canada at the forefront of global AI development and governance. During the April election campaign, Carney emphasized the need for Canada to invest in AI to remain competitive while ensuring responsible development.
Solomon faces several key challenges in his new role. Industry experts highlight the need to increase AI adoption and commercialization across Canadian businesses, as the country has been strong in research but lags in implementation. The Liberal platform proposed a 20% tax credit for small and medium-sized businesses adopting AI technologies that create jobs.
Regulatory frameworks will also be a priority. The previous government's Artificial Intelligence and Data Act died when Parliament was prorogued before the election. Solomon will likely oversee the development of new legislation balancing innovation with ethical considerations, privacy, and security concerns.
Canada has been a pioneer in AI research since launching the world's first national AI strategy in 2017. The Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy has invested over $2 billion in research and development, establishing AI institutes in Edmonton, Montreal, and Toronto. Solomon's appointment builds on this foundation, signaling Canada's transition from research leadership to comprehensive governance and implementation.
"This is about fundamentally transforming how Canadians interact with their government," notes the Liberal platform regarding digital innovation, suggesting Solomon will also oversee the creation of an office of digital transformation to improve government service delivery.