Build out artificial intelligence here or ‘rent’ from neighbours, AI minister says

Canadian Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon said at an AI conference in Montreal that failing to build AI capacity at home would force Canada to "rent" from its neighbours and follow their rules, arguing sovereignty requires domestic growth plus partnerships with like-minded countries. Canadian research institute Mila and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence are formalizing a partnership focused on safe AI systems and their application in key industries such as energy, according to The Canadian Press report published Sept. 16, 2026. German digital minister Karsten Wildberger said shared standards and oversight are essential to both safe AI development and cutting-edge technology.

MONTREAL — Digital sovereignty is taking centre stage at an artificial intelligence conference, with AI leaders saying homegrown buildouts and collaboration among trusted allies are the key to avoiding dependence on unreliable states. Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon says a failure to forge ahead on AI innovation at home would mean Canada has to "rent" from its neighbours, and follow their rules. Rather than isolation, he says sovereign control over AI systems and data demands domestic growth and partnership with countries that share the nation's values. Karsten Wildberger, Germany's digital minister, says that shared standards and oversight are essential to ensuring both safe AI development and cutting-edge technology. Canadian research institute Mila and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence are formalizing a partnership to bolster AI ties between the two countries, with a focus on safe AI systems and their application in key industries such as energy. The announcement comes amid renewed fears over the existential threat potentially posed by AI and around digital sovereignty after U.S. President Donald dubbed Lake Ontario instead "Lake America" — a change that showed up on some Canadian online maps. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2026. Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press