Grad Students Salmon Chowder

Name: Grad Student's Salmon Chowder
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons chopped garlic; 1/2 cup white or yellow onion, diced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup celery diced; 1 1/2 cups potato, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels; 16 ounces canned salmon; 8 ounces evaporated milk or light cream; 1 teaspoon salt; freshly ground black pepper