With Canada's new Government and Cabinet in place, we must act quickly and decisively in the global AI race. To ensure Canada leads and that AI development benefits all Canadians, urgently securing resources and fostering partnerships is critical. I've sent the following letter to our new Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation today, hoping to spark wider discussion and encourage action.

Dear Minister Solomon,

Congratulations on your election as Member of Parliament and your new role as Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation.

I am writing to urge your ministry to immediately engage with major international players in the AI infrastructure space. This matter is urgent, as significant, finite resources are currently being deployed. By engaging now, Canada can position itself at the forefront to deploy and develop these resources, increasing its chances to gain a pivotal role in the global AI infrastructure build-up.

Canada is exceptionally well-positioned to become a regional hub for AI development and infrastructure. We possess a unique combination of critical assets:

• Proximity and Relationship with the United States: Despite recent geopolitical developments, Canada is a natural ally to the United States. All major private enterprises engaged in this field have a physical presence in Canada, and considerable cross-border investments already exist. The United States government is determined to lead in this domain, and Canada possesses all that is necessary to be its most productive ally.
• Abundant and Diverse Energy Resources: Canada can offer the vast and reliable energy supply crucial for AI data centres and operations.
• Strategic Assets: Canada offers ample land, freshwater, and access to the financial capital necessary for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• World-Class Human Capital: We have a deep pool of talent in AI research and development, as well as the skilled workforce required to construct and manage state-of-the-art facilities.
• Strong Innovation Ecosystem: Canada was the first country to launch a national AI strategy and continues to foster a supportive environment for AI innovation and investment.

The global race to build AI capabilities is accelerating. This week, the United States signed two landmark agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), positioning these Middle Eastern allies at the forefront of this technological revolution. Canada must not remain passive.

We must leverage Canada's distinct advantages to attract global AI leaders and demonstrate our value as a key expansion partner. The opportunity to gain a seat at the global AI table hinges on our ability to broker pivotal deals now. With all the necessary ingredients at our disposal, Canada is ready to take this decisive step and support our allies in the AI race.

I urge you and your ministry to make it an immediate priority to initiate high-level conversations with key industry players and demonstrate Canada’s commitment to being a leader in AI infrastructure.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this critical matter.

Sincerely,

Annapurna