On April 28, 2026, the Ottawa Board of Trade (OBOT) welcomed Board Directors and Pillar Partners for a timely and forward-looking discussion with The Hon. Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Held ahead of the 2026 City Building Summit, the conversation focused on Ottawa’s unique position in Canada’s innovation landscape and its growing role in shaping the country’s artificial intelligence strategy.
Minister Solomon explored Ottawa’s role as a true “hothouse of creativity” – a city uniquely positioned at the intersection of natural assets, deep public sector expertise, and a thriving innovation ecosystem. A central theme was Canada’s evolving AI strategy, and Ottawa’s role in shaping it. With a strong foundation in research and talent, the opportunity is immense, but so are the challenges. Trust in AI remains low, adoption is uneven, and the real value lies in practical, pro-worker applications that enhance productivity rather than replace jobs.
Despite the opportunities, challenges remain. Trust in AI continues to be low, and adoption is uneven across sectors. Minister Solomon reinforced the idea that building confidence will require practical, real-world applications that demonstrate clear value, alongside responsible deployment that is aligned with public expectations.
Throughout the discussion, there was a strong call to strengthen Canada’s ability to retain and scale its innovation. Too often, we plant and nurture innovation only to see it scale elsewhere. Maintaining strong tech ecosystems, attracting global players, and safeguarding advancements will be critical to our future competitiveness and security.
While the long-term impacts of AI are difficult to predict, history suggests that technological advancement can drive job creation when supported by the right ecosystem. As Ottawa looks ahead to the next wave of global productivity, Canada must increase the velocity of confidence, reward smart risk-taking, and ensure that adoption keeps pace with innovation.
OBOT looks forward to continuing to bring leaders together, fostering meaningful dialogue, and advancing collaboration on the opportunities and challenges shaping Ottawa’s economic future.