Artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and digital innovation are reshaping economic growth, productivity and global competitiveness. Canada is working with international partners to strengthen collaboration on emerging technologies in ways that support innovation, economic opportunity and secure, responsible development.
On May 28 and 29, 2026, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, was in Paris, France, for the 2026 G7 Digital Ministers' Meeting. Bilateral discussions focused on innovation, including quantum technologies and AI.
Minister Solomon signed a joint statement on quantum science and technologies with France's Minister Delegate with responsibility for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, Anne Le Hénanff, deepening bilateral cooperation in quantum research and development grounded in shared values of openness, accountability and research excellence. The partnership reflects the intent of both countries to advance multidisciplinary quantum research and development, facilitate knowledge exchange and open data sharing, and build a skilled and diverse quantum workforce. At a time when the urgency of these dual‑use technologies is rapidly increasing, this collaboration aims to accelerate quantum innovation for societal benefit, economic prosperity and international leadership.
Engagements with international counterparts and the business community underscored the need to align public policy and industry leadership to accelerate emerging technology adoption and translate innovation into economic outcomes. At the G7 Digital Ministers' Meeting, Canada reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners on secure and responsible AI, boosting AI adoption for economic growth, strengthening digital sector resilience and protecting minors online.
The Minister's participation at the Business 7 (B7) and Tech7 summits further reinforced these priorities, with discussions covering AI deployment across industry, energy, sustainability and the future of work-and the need for responsible adoption to drive productivity, competitiveness and inclusive growth.
To advance cross-border commercial opportunities, the Minister met with leaders from Mistral AI, Safran and Quantonation, and he announced a new partnership between Canadian companies Reveal Life Science and Qohash and France's Institut de recherche contre les cancers de l'appareil digestif (IRCAD) to deploy real-time AI-powered surgical guidance and molecular diagnostics technology in the fight against breast cancer. These outcomes reflect Canada's commitment to building trusted global partnerships that accelerate innovation, strengthen digital economies and deliver tangible benefits for Canadians.
