Canada Appoints Its First Minister for Artificial Intelligence
Just six years after the UAE made history by appointing the world’s first-ever Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Canada has followed suit. On May 13, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced an extensive cabinet reshuffle that introduced a new ministry dedicated to Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. At the helm is Evan Solomon, appointed as Canada’s first Minister of AI.
A New Era of Digital Governance
The creation of this ministry reflects Canada’s strategic push to embed AI into its economic and governmental framework. Solomon will also serve as Minister for Southern Ontario’s regional development agency, a dual portfolio that underscores the country’s ambition to use AI as a driver of economic growth and digital transformation.
Canada’s move aligns with a broader international trend. Earlier this month, Germany established a new digital ministry to boost AI adoption and safeguard digital sovereignty. These steps show how governments are increasingly recognising the need for specialised portfolios to unlock the full potential of AI.
Why This Matters
Until now, AI in Canada was managed under broader innovation and industry ministries. By creating a dedicated role, Canada signals its intention to strengthen its digital economy and promote technological innovation in a more targeted way.
Canada has historically played a pioneering role in AI research. Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the “godfather of AI” and founder of the Vector Institute, was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking work on machine learning—research that paved the way for technologies like ChatGPT.
However, adoption has lagged. A Deloitte report revealed that only 26% of Canadian organisations have implemented AI, compared to a global average of 34%. Critics argue that while Canada has excelled in research, it has fallen behind in commercialisation and practical application.
What’s Next: Building AI Capacity
The government has already outlined concrete steps to accelerate AI adoption. According to CBC, plans include:
- Expanding data centre infrastructure.
- Offering tax credits to encourage small and medium-sized businesses to adopt AI.
- Growing programmes at Canada’s AI institutes.
- Establishing a dedicated Office of Digital Transformation to increase government efficiency.
Prime Minister Carney stressed that developing AI is not just about productivity, but also about reshaping Canada’s economy for the future. With Solomon’s appointment, the country is sending a clear message: Canada is ready to move from being an AI research hub to becoming a global leader in AI adoption and innovation.
