Ottawa – As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape our world in new and unexpected ways, the responsible development and management of AI systems remains essential to ensure that these technologies are trustworthy and serve the best interests of all Canadians.
François-Phillipe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced a series of initiatives to support responsible and safe AI adoption, including:
- a refreshed membership for the Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence
- the launch of the Safe and Secure Artificial Intelligence Advisory Group to advise the government on the risks associated with AI systems and ways to address them
- the publication of a guide for managers of AI systems to support implementation of Canada’s Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems
The Minister also announced that six new organizations—CIBC, Clir, Cofomo Inc., Intel Corporation, Jolera Inc. and PaymentEvolution—are signing on to the voluntary AI code of conduct. By signing on, these organizations are pledging to apply the code to their operations when developing and managing generative AI systems. They are joining 40 other signatories that have taken the pledge. The guide that was released today offers an additional resource for signatories and other organizations looking to deploy AI tools responsibly.
The government continues to take a leadership role in AI both domestically and internationally, committing $2.4 billion in Budget 2024 to help secure Canada’s AI advantage. Measures that have been announced include investing in compute capacity and infrastructure, accelerating safe and responsible AI adoption and deployment, and supporting workers through skills training. In addition, Canada continues to engage in domestic and international discussions supporting the creation of common standards and safeguards for generative AI systems, including by participating in international AI safety conferences and contributing to reports.
“Artificial intelligence is one of the most transformative technologies of our time, and there is no doubt that it is here to stay. As AI technology continues to evolve, our government is committed to making sure that Canadians can benefit from it safely and that companies are developing it responsibly. The measures announced today are a positive step forward in securing an AI ecosystem that works for—and in the interests of—all Canadians.” – François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry