The Canadian minister’s visit to Qatar comes amid growing bilateral cooperation on digital innovation.

Canada is committed to ensuring that artificial intelligence is developed and deployed in line with international humanitarian law, particularly as concerns grow globally over its weaponisation in conflict zones.

“Canada has always abided by international law. It’s very important, and Canada upholds international law,” said Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, in an exclusive interview with Doha News.

His remarks came in response to a question about concerns surrounding the use of AI-driven systems like Lavender by Israel in the Gaza genocide, which has been criticised for operating with limited human oversight and causing heavy civilian casualties.

“I was very proud of our Prime Minister [Mark Carney], being in Egypt, in Sharm El-Sheikh, [for a world leaders’ summit on ending Israel’s war in Gaza] alongside leaders bringing peace[..]a longer-lasting peace process to stop that war,” Solomon said.

While acknowledging the rapid pace at which AI technologies are evolving, Solomon stressed the importance of collaborative international frameworks to regulate their use.

“These are issues of concern around the world, about how AI is being used, where it’s being used, and what’s the best way, what are the best international norms to abide by,” he said.

“The technology is changing quicker than our international norms are. And that’s why we’ve got to meet together, listen to each other, look at how it’s being used, and make sure that this technology is used to benefit society.”

The Canadian minister, during his visit to Doha, met with Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, to discuss areas of common interest in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

The two sides issued a joint statement highlighting potential avenues for collaboration between the two countries.

Minister Solomon also met with Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani and members of the Qatari Businessmen Association to explore partnerships, investment opportunities and technology collaborations, particularly in the areas of digital innovation and infrastructure.

The minister highlighted the dual nature of AI and the responsibility of governments to ensure its benefits are not overshadowed by its risks.

“Every technology in history has the possibility to be beneficial or not. It’s our job as leaders to make sure that it benefits citizens– in the life sciences, that it’s used to cure diseases, to expedite services so people can see their doctor faster, get diagnosis faster, solve problems,” he said.

“AI in agriculture, to help alleviate water scarcity, to help farmers grow crops in different ways, to help our exploration and our science, we have to use it in beneficial ways,” he continued.

“There are going to be examples of every technology that’s used for different purposes. That’s where the world and different multilateral fora are very important, to build the rules of the road.”

The Canadian minister’s visit to Qatar came amid growing bilateral cooperation on digital innovation. Solomon noted that Canada and Qatar are working together to accelerate joint efforts in AI and digital technology.

Solomon, who holds the newly created AI portfolio under Canada’s new government, emphasised that ethical governance, safety, and trust must be central pillars of AI policy– both domestically and internationally.

Canada was the first country in the world to launch a national AI strategy in 2017 and recently established a national AI safety institute. As part of that effort, the government is currently conducting a national consultation, gathering feedback from researchers, stakeholders, and citizens on AI regulation and its implications.

Canada’s model also places a strong focus on digital sovereignty, skills training, and ensuring AI development reflects national values– an approach the visiting minister suggested could offer useful takeaways for partners like Qatar.

“There are going to be different value systems, and every country has to make sure that AI reflects and protects theirs,” he said. “But the underlying principle is the same: this technology must serve the public good.”

As nations grapple with the ethical challenges of integrating AI into governance, education, healthcare, and defence, Solomon urged global cooperation to ensure the technology’s trajectory benefits societies rather than endangers them.