Ottawa – Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology are benefiting society in many ways, including in improving supply chain management, enhancing health care and precision medicine, and helping tackle environmental sustainability challenges. These advances, however, have also reaffirmed the urgency of ensuring that AI systems, particularly advanced generative AI systems, are developed and managed safely.
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced that eight more organizations have undertaken a voluntary commitment in support of the ongoing development of a robust, responsible AI ecosystem in Canada. The new signatories to the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems are:
- Alloprof
- Kyndryl
- Lenovo
- Levio
- MaRS Discovery District
- Mastercard
- Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ)
- Salesforce
In signing on to the voluntary code, these organizations are pledging to apply the code to their operations when developing and managing advanced generative AI systems. They are joining the 22 other signatories that have committed to supporting the ongoing development of a robust, responsible AI ecosystem in Canada. In addition, Canada continues to engage in domestic and international discussions supporting the creation of common standards and safeguards for generative AI systems.
The code is based on the input received from a cross-section of stakeholders through these engagements and through the consultation on the development of a Canadian code of practice for generative AI systems. The government has published a summary of feedback received during the consultation.
The government continues to take a leadership role in AI, committing $2.4 billion in Budget 2024 to help secure Canada’s AI advantage. Measures include investing in compute capacity and infrastructure, accelerating responsible and safe AI adoption and deployment, and supporting workers through skills training.
“Artificial intelligence is one of the greatest technological transformations of our age, and our government is committed to providing Canadians and Canadian businesses with the tools they need to thrive in this digital era. In undertaking the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems, leading Canadian organizations continue to adopt responsible measures for advanced generative AI systems that will help build safety and trust well into the future as the technology grows.” – François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry