The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that former journalist Evan Solomon has been appointed Canada's first minister for artificial intelligence, a newly created role suggesting AI will be a priority for the Liberal government. The Globe's Joe Castaldo writes that Mr. Solomon, whose full title is Minister of AI and Digital Innovation, is a new member of Parliament representing the riding of Toronto Centre. He also assumes responsibility for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. Mr. Solomon could face a host of challenges in his role, experts say, including how to increase AI adoption and commercialization, encourage the construction of Canadian-owned and operated data centres, and determining how to regulate AI. Governments around the world see AI as key to improving productivity and economic growth. Canada has played a huge role in AI development, but critics say the country has failed to capture the economic benefits. Last year, the feds announced a $2-billion program to help companies access AI computing power and encourage them to build data centres. Brookfield, where Prime Minister Mark Carney previously served as chair, is a big player in data centres internationally.