Press Release
From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
June 10, 2024
Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, participated in the inaugural plenary session at the annual International Economic Forum of the Americas’ Conference of Montreal—Leading in an Accelerating World.
This year’s conference focused on the exponential acceleration of computer processing, communication technologies, globalized markets and energy production and how these are transforming economies and the way we do business.
Minister Valdez spoke to the $2.4 billion proposed in Budget 2024 to secure Canada’s artificial intelligence (AI) advantage by investing in computing capacity and infrastructure and accelerating responsible and safe AI adoption by small and medium-sized businesses so they can remain competitive.
On the global push for net zero, Minister Valdez highlighted Budget 2024’s support for accelerating the transition to clean growth through the renewal of Canada’s Clean Growth Hub and through new tax credits that will deliver $2.5 billion directly to more than 600,000 small and medium-sized businesses.
Other Budget 2024 proposals to support entrepreneurs include:
Quotes
“Small businesses account for 98% of businesses in Canada. It’s critical that they do not get left behind in the journey toward the adoption of AI. Budget 2024 demonstrates that Canada is leading this charge with investments to spur innovation and ensure that SMEs from coast to coast to coast remain competitive in Canada’s changing economic landscape.”
– The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business
Quick facts
Associated links
Contacts
Nadine Ramadan
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Small Business
343-575-5436
nadine.ramadan@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca
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