As artificial intelligence reshapes economies, jobs, and geopolitics, governments face increasing pressure to balance innovation and responsibility.
Victor Anthony Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, spoke at “The Big AI Shift” and said early investments in talent and transparency positioned the province as a global AI leader.
“Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is widely considered the birthplace of AI,” Fedeli said, praising decades of research led by Nobel Prize winner Jeffrey Hinton and institutions such as the Vector Institute. He noted that Ontario produces more than 110,000 STEM graduates each year and added about 17,000 AI talent last year alone.
Mr. Fedeli emphasized that education is the foundation of the AI transition. “If you’re worried about AI taking your job, you better rely on AI,” he said, arguing that AI is transforming jobs across sectors rather than eliminating them completely.
Kari Pury, Vice Chairman and Executive Editor, India Today Group, expressed concerns about inclusion and questioned how unskilled workers can be protected as automation accelerates. Mr. Fedeli pointed to Ontario’s extensive retraining programs and job creation efforts.
Regarding regulation, Mr. Fedeli emphasized public trust and data privacy. “We don’t have a social license to monetize health data,” he said, adding that transparency must guide governments’ use of AI.
Despite the geopolitical challenges, Mr. Fedeli reaffirmed the strong ties between India and Canada, saying, “India is a reliable partner for Ontario and for Canada. We will cooperate fully.”
