Evan Solomon recently visited Sarnia-Lambton to meet with the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) and representatives from Lambton College.
The Liberal MP is the Federal Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, as well as the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
In a chat with Sarnia News Today, Solomon mentioned that tariffs imposed by the U. S. are still hurting Canadians.
He described southwestern Ontario as being at the forefront of this trade conflict.
“And especially the tariffs, the Section 232 tariffs, these really tough tariffs, and unjustified tariffs that the U. S. has had under national security that have hit our auto, steel, aluminum,” said Solomon. “On April 6, the United States changed how they tariff. They used to just tariff based on the amount of steel and aluminum within a good, but now it’s on the total value of the good. I’ll give you an example. Some company that was paying $1,500 on a good in tariffs, which was tough, is now spending $15,000. This is a massive consequence.”
Solomon noted that many businesses across Sarnia-Lambton are experiencing these effects.
“Let’s say you’re in the mold making business. You’re making molds and you’re using any steel and aluminum,” he explained. “If you’re a tool and die maker or an advanced manufacturer-many of the tier two and tier three suppliers around here-there are a lot of amazing companies in Sarnia-Lambton, Windsor, London; all through southwestern Ontario; this has been a tough time.”
He mentioned that the federal government has introduced a new billion dollars in support through the Business Development Bank of Canada.
“It gives loans to companies to get through this time; zero interest in the first year,” said Solomon. “And then we’ve also got $500 million. This is new money on top of our existing programs for regional tariff relief to help companies get through. And most of that funding is frankly coming here because this is where it’s hitting hardest. People might ask why we invest in these companies and provide zero interest loans; it’s part of what Fed Dev does. They pay back over long-term based on investment in program equipment and innovation.”
Solomon expressed Canada’s desire to maintain trade relations with the United States while noting that 85 percent of our economy remains tariff-free.
“But the 15 percent that’s getting hammered-steel, aluminum, autos-that’s real,” he said. “A lot of those sectors are here in southwestern Ontario. We want to keep trading with the U. S., but meanwhile we’ve got to buy Canadian products. We’ve got to create markets here at home; we’ve got to invest in Canadians; we’ve got to build ports, bridges, pipelines; we need energy grids.”
Solomon emphasized that enhancing skilled trades in Canada is essential for success.
“We’re investing in 100,000 young people getting their red seal certifications,” he stated. “We’re building nuclear facilities and investing in ports-we’re going to need plenty of skilled trades.” He added: “The second thing is defense; we’re doubling our investment there too. The dual-use technologies applicable for defense will be great for companies struggling with access to U. S markets.” He continued explaining about something called Regional Defense Response Initiative meant to assist firms connect with defense contracts.
“There’s numerous ways we’re trying to keep Canadian businesses thriving right here while helping them find new customers.” Solomon also shared that Canada has become number one globally for foreign direct investment this year. “This means more countries found our skilled workforce attractive along with our products and innovations-more appealing than even going into U. S markets,” he noted excitedly while adding: “And we’ve secured 20 new trade deals!” He further discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI) during his talk with Sarnia News Today about leveraging its advantages while ensuring protections are put into place. According to him, opinions about AI often swing between love or hate but it’s crucial for government responsiveness towards opportunities it offers us all. “People ask me all sorts of questions like: Will it take my job? Will it invade my privacy? How does Canada play into this?” he remarked thoughtfully.
“We’ll ensure Canadian sovereign AI gets built-it embodies our values-it supports workers by creating jobs benefiting Canadians at large.” He emphasized technology should serve humanity rather than reverse roles.
“However folks engage-they want clarity moving forward since we’re entering transformative times ahead! Expect AI national strategy soon outlining how we’ll develop locally including empowering workers through skills training while safeguarding citizens’ data protection measures.”,” “It’s indeed challenging regulating yet options remain open tackling misinformation or defamatory rumors,” he admitted candidly.
“I’ll present some legislation aiming towards giving individuals authority over what could be termed ‘the right deletion’ I’m quite interested concerning.” “Many inquiries arise surrounding potential watermarking methods distinguishing whether content originated via human efforts versus AI-produced materials-for instance visual effects akin “The Matrix” illustrating where graphics were manipulated.”
”While tricky watermarks would exist-we must address any circumstances involving altered videos-but legislative actions ensure clarity regarding deep fakes pre-election campaigns preventing misuse without disclosing origin!” Lastly , Soloman mentioned his prior visit last Thursday made through Windsor-Essex region. Check out Evan Solomon’s complete interview featured on Beyond The Headlines hosted by Josh Boyce.
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“There’s numerous ways we’re trying to keep Canadian businesses thriving right here while helping them find new customers.” Solomon also shared that Canada has become number one globally for foreign direct investment this year. “This means more countries found our skilled workforce attractive along with our products and innovations-more appealing than even going into U. S markets,” he noted excitedly while adding: “And we’ve secured 20 new trade deals!” He further discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI) during his talk with Sarnia News Today about leveraging its advantages while ensuring protections are put into place. According to him, opinions about AI often swing between love or hate but it’s crucial for government responsiveness towards opportunities it offers us all. “People ask me all sorts of questions like: Will it take my job? Will it invade my privacy? How does Canada play into this?” he remarked thoughtfully.
“We’ll ensure Canadian sovereign AI gets built-it embodies our values-it supports workers by creating jobs benefiting Canadians at large.” He emphasized technology should serve humanity rather than reverse roles.
“However folks engage-they want clarity moving forward since we’re entering transformative times ahead! Expect AI national strategy soon outlining how we’ll develop locally including empowering workers through skills training while safeguarding citizens’ data protection measures.”,” “It’s indeed challenging regulating yet options remain open tackling misinformation or defamatory rumors,” he admitted candidly.
“I’ll present some legislation aiming towards giving individuals authority over what could be termed ‘the right deletion’ I’m quite interested concerning.” “Many inquiries arise surrounding potential watermarking methods distinguishing whether content originated via human efforts versus AI-produced materials-for instance visual effects akin “The Matrix” illustrating where graphics were manipulated.”
”While tricky watermarks would exist-we must address any circumstances involving altered videos-but legislative actions ensure clarity regarding deep fakes pre-election campaigns preventing misuse without disclosing origin!” Lastly , Soloman mentioned his prior visit last Thursday made through Windsor-Essex region. Check out Evan Solomon’s complete interview featured on Beyond The Headlines hosted by Josh Boyce.
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