Canada needs to become more aligned with the European market at a time when U.S. tariffs pose a real challenge to the country’s economy.
That was the message from Mélanie Joly, Canada’s federal minister of industry, at the Conference of Montreal on Monday.
Joly wants Canada to double its exports to Europe.
“Europe’s needs in terms of aluminum are massive as we’re developing even more defence production and that is something that we want to work together,” said Joly, who is also the minister of Canadian economic development for Quebec regions.
“I think also that we can do even more in terms of aerospace. And we know that Quebec is a hub, but also Canada is a hub for aerospace.”
Added François-Philippe Champagne, the federal finance and national revenue minister: “We have historical ties with Europe. CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) is a great free trade agreement that allows us to operate on a preferential basis in Europe.”
The three-day Conference of Montreal is an annual event that welcomes world leaders in government, business and academia to discuss topics such as the economy, sustainability and innovation. This year’s theme is leadership amid uncertainty.
“I feel that there is a rapid acceleration of the business with Europe,” said Benjamin Booth, the conference’s executive director. “We can see it today, it’s a testimony by having the European Commission, the minister of France. We have a minister from Estonia coming to visit us. They’re one of the leaders in the integration of artificial intelligence within their public sector.”
Minister Champagne emphasized the artificial intelligence industry in Montreal as being an important element to economic stability in the region.
“When you’re looking at Montreal as well, you have to think what is going to drive the next industrial revolution is artificial intelligence,” he said. “Montreal, not just me but look at these panels, is always referred to. AI is one of these general-purpose technologies.
“The fact that we have the best researchers, we have the Mila Institute, we have a huge ecosystem. I think for me we are in Montreal and in Quebec in the industry of the future.”
Montreal’s potential in the artificial intelligence field was echoed by others at the conference.
“Over the past few months, Montreal has found itself at the heart of several strategic decisions concerning the future of Canada’s economy. Last week, in fact, it was at Mila in Montreal that Canada’s artificial intelligence strategy was unveiled,” said Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada.
“Artificial intelligence is very important here in Montreal. We have Mila, we have people who are at a very high level,” said Chantal Rouleau, Quebec’s minister responsible for the metropolis and Montreal region.
“When it comes to artificial intelligence, there is really a great potential and we know that there are so many startups and companies and research centres in Montreal and across the country,” said Joly.
