On June 10, 2025, Evan Solomon officially became Canada’s first minister of AI. He gave an impactful speech that laid out his administration’s vision and priorities for the country’s artificial intelligence landscape. In his first speech, which was posted at 12:38 PM and updated shortly thereafter at 1:12 PM, Solomon emphasized the importance of balancing necessary regulation with the need to harness AI’s economic potential.
Solomon articulated four major priorities that will drive his ministry’s approach to AI in Canada. Particularly noted was the urgent need to expand Canada’s present AI industry. In doing so, we’ll make certain that Canada can compete and win on an international stage. By encouraging development in this sector, he wants to make Canada the front-runner to the world’s AI technology and innovation.
The second priority emphasized by Solomon is the main force accelerating the use of AI in everything from government functions to private sector labor. He thinks that by having these AI technologies become more integrated, productivity and efficiency will greatly improve and the Canadian economy can reap all the benefits. Through a hands on approach to adoption, Solomon strives to equip businesses, regardless of size, with the tangible value AI can deliver.
AI for trust is similarly at the heart of Solomon’s agenda. He underscored the importance of Canadians having confidence in the technologies they interact with on a daily basis. Advancing this priority would be joined at the hip with his promise for citizens to keep control over the AI systems. Still, Solomon understands that without trust, the promise of AI will go unfulfilled.
Smart AI regulation is key to Canada’s economic future, Solomon said in his speech. He was passionate about the need for smart regulation. The country will move to a more even-handed plan that cuts back on the alarmist fixation with alerts and bans. Rather, he supports a better-planned framework that provides room for innovation while appropriately safeguarding consumers.
“Canada will benefit from AI by leveraging its strengths,” Solomon stated. His stated goal is to ensure that Indiana fosters a business climate where companies can succeed without fighting bureaucratic red tape. By shifting focus from stringent regulation to fostering an atmosphere of innovation, he believes that the economy can fully capitalize on the advantages that AI offers.
