Washington – François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, concluded a two-day visit to Washington, D.C., where they took part in the first-ever North American semiconductor conference.
Alongside Gina Raimondo, United States Secretary of Commerce, and Raquel Buenrostro, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, the ministers explored ways to strengthen and secure the semiconductor supply chain in North America.
This two-day trilateral conference, organized by the Semiconductor Industry Association and Arizona State University, brought together senior industry executives, universities and government representatives. Together, they discussed adapting policies and increasing investments in semiconductor supply chains across North America, as well as developing the workforce to support this critical sector.
Before leaving Washington, D.C., Minister Ng and Minister Champagne also held a bilateral meeting with Secretary Raimondo to discuss topics of mutual interest, including semiconductors, supply chain resilience, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.
“Canada will work with the U.S. and Mexico to spur investments that promote secure and resilient continental semiconductor supply chains, creating good jobs here in North America. By working together with our North American neighbours, we are ensuring our economic and national security. Today, we are starting to write a new chapter in the history of semiconductors in North America, and Canada is committed to playing an important role in building continental semiconductor supply chain resiliency.” – François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Semiconductors are increasingly present in our everyday life—in the cars we drive, the phones we use and the national defence systems that protect us—and Canada is at the table as a leader. We play an important role in the global semiconductor supply chain, with our resources, world-class products and talented people. Our government is committed to strengthening that role by working closely with our partners in the U.S. and Mexico to ensure the growth and competitiveness of the North American semiconductor sector and supply chain. This is key to creating good jobs, showcasing Canadian innovation and driving economic prosperity across Canada.” – Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development