Written by Danica Metcalfe, AI Program Coordinator, & Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
Canada has a new national AI strategy – its first ever. Manitoba businesses now face a tough question: how do we turn a strategy into tangible gains in productivity, job creation, and competitiveness?
That question was at the centre of Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon’s visit to Winnipeg this month when The Chamber hosted him for a conversation with approximately 200 of our members at Inn at The Forks.
What Businesses Heard from Canada’s AI Minister:
- Minister Solomon announced a $10.2 million investment in six Manitoba businesses leading the way in AI. The funding will support the creation of more than 170 jobs in Manitoba and assist 35 SMEs across multiple industries, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, advertising and support services.
- The minister spoke with our members to the strategy’s core values of trust, opportunity, and sovereignty. He emphasized that sovereignty is not about solitude, but ensuring Canadians have a real choice and control over how AI shapes our lives.
- Minister Solomon’s message throughout was clear: we need to invest in Canada. Supporting local companies will be critical, especially SMEs who make up over 95% of Canadian businesses, to strengthen our economy and position Canada as a leader globally.
Manitoba was a fitting place for this conversation, as our Manitoba AI Pathways program (MAP) is already helping businesses across the province accelerate their AI adoption.
Minister Solomon’s Discussion with Business Leaders
Prior to Minister Solomon’s announcement, he sat down with Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Loren Remillard and Board Chair Amanda Buhse, along with a group of Manitoba’s tech and innovation leaders for a candid discussion on the state of AI in the province. They touched on the province’s unique economic strengths, the importance of provincial and federal governments working together to support local businesses, and where Manitoba fits within Canada’s new national AI strategy, AI for All.
Continuing the Conversation
How can you move your business forward on its AI journey, and contribute to Manitoba becoming a national leader in the space? That’s exactly what our Manitoba AI Pathways Program (MAP) is for. Supported by the Government of Manitoba and delivered in partnership with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, MAP’s goal is to accelerate AI readiness and build competitive advantage across all sectors in Manitoba through hands-on sessions with subject matter experts.
A great way to get started is understanding your organization’s current AI readiness. Created by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce in partnership with the Manitoba Association of AI Professionals, the AI Readiness Assessment takes less than 10 minutes to complete and delivers real-time insights into quick-win opportunities and practical steps to strengthen your AI capabilities.
On November 10, 2026, MAP is excited to host ADVANCE MANITOBA, Manitoba’s flagship business leadership conference focused on helping organizations prepare for the next era of competitiveness, productivity, and business transformation.
Attendees will gain practical insights and actionable strategies to navigate the forces reshaping Manitoba’s economy, while connecting with business leaders, innovators, and ecosystem partners driving the province’s future. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or board member, this is your chance to step back and gain the clarity needed to shape your business’s future.
Join the conversation and help shape what’s next for Manitoba business.
Wondering how you can get involved? Contact Danica Metcalfe, our AI Program Coordinator at [email protected].
