Canada now has a minister of artificial intelligence. What will he do?
Canada has made history by appointing its first-ever minister of artificial intelligence, veteran broadcaster Evan Solomon. As the newly elected Toronto Centre MP, Solomon’s role is expected to be extensive and impactful.
When questioned about Solomon’s mandate and responsibilities, a spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) referred to the Liberal platform released shortly before the April 28 election. The platform outlines a significant job for Solomon, encompassing various aspects of the economy and national security.
Mark Carney, Solomon’s superior, has emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence in shaping the “economy of the future.” The platform highlights the use of AI to boost productivity, create higher-paying jobs, and foster new prosperity for all Canadians.
Adegboyega Ojo, Canada Research Chair in Governance and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Carleton University, commended the establishment of the new cabinet position and the commitments outlined in the platform. He believes that Prime Minister Carney is demonstrating a genuine commitment to advancing AI technologies in Canada.
The platform calls for the integration of AI to streamline processes and reduce costs within the public service. Solomon, as the minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation, is expected to oversee the establishment of an office of digital transformation to enhance government services for Canadians.
AI-powered virtual assistants, such as chatbots, could revolutionize the way Canadians interact with the government by providing information in multiple languages efficiently and comprehensively. Additionally, AI could be utilized behind the scenes to accelerate translation, simplify technical documents, ensure legal compliance, and draft briefing notes.
One of the significant challenges facing Solomon will be encouraging private sector adoption of AI technologies. Benjamin Bergen, President of the Council of Canadian Innovators, emphasized the need to transition from AI research leadership to practical implementation and commercialization.
The platform proposes introducing tax credits to incentivize AI adoption by small and medium-sized businesses and fostering collaborations between Canadian researchers, startups, and businesses to accelerate AI adoption nationwide. Companies like John Deere, a prominent farming corporation, have already leveraged AI to enhance crop management and maximize yields.
Graham Dobbs, a senior research associate at the Conference Board of Canada, highlighted Canada’s struggle with retaining intellectual property within the country. The platform’s emphasis on enhancing Canadian-owned AI infrastructure, including data centres and communication networks, underscores the importance of maintaining sovereignty and data security.
Solomon will also be tasked with addressing regulatory concerns surrounding AI technologies. Several bills addressing AI regulation, such as the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act and the Online Harms Act, were put on hold when Parliament was prorogued. Dobbs suggested that these bills should be reintroduced with feedback and improvements to prioritize the trust and security of Canadians.
As Solomon awaits his mandate letter from Carney, the industry department under Minister Mélanie Joly will provide support for his initiatives. The government has hinted at making the mandate letter public, further clarifying Solomon’s role in advancing artificial intelligence and digital innovation in Canada.
