đłď¸ After the Ballot: A Tech Thursday Recap
An election recap, AI gets a Minister, and how Western Frustration will play out.
Last weekâs Tech Thursday session, âAfter the Ballot: What the Election Means for Tech and Businessâ, brought together political insiders to unpack the post-election reality â and what it means for companies navigating policy, capital, and innovation in Canada.
The panel featured:
Bridget Howe (VP, Crestview Strategy & Liberal Strategist)
Evan Menzies (VP, Crestview Strategy & Conservative Strategist)
Moderated by Ruhee Ismail-Teja (VP of Policy and External Affairs at Calgary Chamber of Commerce)
Here is my breakdown of the top insights from the event. đ
From Left: Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Bridget Howe, and Evan Menzies
An Election Recap â "Everyone's Disappointed"
The election outcome? A paradox: high voter engagement, minimal structural change.
Liberals held government but failed to win a majority.
Conservatives achieved record-high vote share but lost key seats â including their leaderâs.
NDP lost official party status.
The public? Still wondering what changed.
What actually moved the needle:
Trudeau stepping down.
Carney becoming PM days before the election was called.
Trump-fueled nationalism shifting Canadian voter sentiment.
As Bridget summed up: "The Liberals just had to not screw it up."
đ¤ AI Gets the Spotlight: What It Means for Tech
For the first time ever, Canada has a Minister of AI and Digital Innovation. Thatâs big.
Why it matters:
Past AI legislation got stuck in legislative gridlock.
A standalone ministry signals real intent to move forward.
Carney appointed a non-politician (journalist Evan Solomon) to lead it.
Bridgetâs warning: If AI becomes "a Liberal thing," bipartisan support could crumble. Cross-partisan consensus is essential for any durable AI policy.
đž Alberta's Role: How will Western Frustration playout?
Evanâs take: Alberta isnât just mad. Itâs ready â for change, for recognition, for influence.
Signals of optimism:
Natural Resources portfolio went to Tim Hodgson, with private-sector experience.
Carneyâs early cabinet picks hint at pragmatism.
But Alberta needs more than signals:
"It might only take two tweets to calm Western frustration," Evan said. "But they havenât sent them yet."
The message: federal leaders must show theyâre listening â and fast.
đ¤ Tech Leaders: Get in the Room or Get Left Behind
Bridget and Evan were clear: Government is moving fast on issues that impact tech. If youâre not talking to Ottawa, someone else isâon your behalf.
What to do:
Reach out to your MP (yes, even cold emails work).
Meet staffers during Stampede and other events.
Partner with industry groups and chambers to amplify your voice.
As Bridget put it:
"Policy is going to happen whether youâre at the table or not."
What Wonât Happen: Big, Sweeping Reforms
Campaign promises were big. Reality is smaller.
Unlikely to move soon:
National energy corridor
$40B federal housing plan
Any multi-jurisdictional megaproject
What might happen:
Middle-class tax relief (already announced)
Fast-tracked red tape reductions in healthcare
More targeted AI & digital innovation funding
Carney will likely rack up small, symbolic wins. Expect very little that requires provincial cooperation.
TL;DR: What You Need to Know
AI policy is being written right now. Get involved or risk being left behind.
Government is open to business voices â especially Albertaâs, if they show up.
No one in Ottawa understands Calgaryâs story unless you tell it. Your influence starts with showing up.
You can watch the recording of this event on our YouTube.
Donât miss the next Tech Thursday.
May 29: âInvesting in Canada: Capital in a Time of Buildingâ, featuring investors in town for Invest Canada â25. Including:
Moderator: Thomas Farran, Associate at Longbow Capital
Eileen Li, Senior Associate at Vertu Capital
Roland Boram, Senior Associate at Kensington Capital Partners Limited
Prashant Matta, Managing Partner at Panache Ventures
RSVP Here.
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