09/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/03/2026 15:15
Canada advances international collaboration at the G20 Innovation Ministerial
September 3, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario
Parliamentary Secretary Karim Bardeesy, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, attended the G20 Innovation Ministerial on September 1 and 2, 2026, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The meeting brought together ministers and senior officials to discuss opportunities to advance research, innovation, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), and the skills required to drive productivity and economic opportunity. They also noted the need for continued international collaboration in this rapidly changing space.
On the margins of the meeting, Parliamentary Secretary Bardeesy met with representatives of Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia and the European Union to discuss various points of collaboration on science and technology, AI, and innovation. He also shared with his American hosts how Canada views the importance of AI in driving innovation-which involves supporting and investing in research, infrastructure, commercialization and technology adoption-as well as the importance of the G20.
While in Chapel Hill, Canada highlighted its commitment to fostering innovation that improves lives, strengthens communities and supports sustainable growth. Discussions focused on how to advance innovation policies, public sector AI adoption, technical workforce development, intellectual property, standards for AI, and industrial supply chains.
Canada also engaged with international counterparts to exchange perspectives on shared challenges and opportunities and to explore ways to strengthen collaboration among researchers, innovators and institutions.
"Innovation helps improve the way people live, work and connect. At the G20 Innovation Ministerial, Canada joined international partners to exchange ideas and share expertise on emerging technologies, research collaboration and the responsible development of innovation. By working together on common challenges and opportunities, we can help ensure that new technologies benefit Canadians and strengthen our communities."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
"The rapid pace of technological change highlights the importance of international dialogue on the responsible development and use of emerging technologies. The G20 Innovation Ministerial provided a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives and strengthen collaboration on innovation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Canada will continue to champion approaches that foster innovation while helping ensure these technologies deliver real benefits for people, businesses and communities."
- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
"Canada has a world-class innovation ecosystem driven by researchers, entrepreneurs and organizations that are finding solutions to challenges at home and around the world. Through discussions at the G20 Innovation Ministerial, Canada highlighted the value of collaboration, knowledge-sharing and inclusive innovation. Canada will continue to work with its international partners to make advances in science, technology and research to improve outcomes for Canadians and contribute to global progress."
- Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry
The Group of Twenty (G20) is a critical forum for the world's major economies to build mutual understanding and foster collaboration in the face of global challenges.
Canada's participation provides an opportunity to build consensus with members on matters related to innovation, science, technology and emerging challenges.
The G20 Leaders' Summit will be held in Miami, Florida, in December 2026.
Gabrielle Landry
Deputy Director, Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
[email protected]
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
[email protected]
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