Government asking for feedback on use of AI in public service
The federal government has launched a public consultation on its first artificial intelligence (AI) strategy for the federal public service.
“Artificial intelligence holds immense potential to transform how the federal government delivers services to Canadians. Through this public consultation process, we are gathering diverse perspectives from across the country to ensure that AI is deployed in a way that is responsible, inclusive, and human-centered,” said Anita Anand, president of the Treasury Board of Canada.
“By developing Canada’s first AI strategy for the public service, we are laying the foundation for innovative, efficient, and trusted government operations that meet the evolving needs of all Canadians.”
In September 2023, the federal government released preliminary guidance to federal institutions on their use of generative AI tools for work. The Directive on Automated Decision-Making applies to automated systems, including those that rely on AI, used to influence or make administrative decisions.
On April 24, 2024, Anand announced the launch of this strategy which is supported by $2.4 billion in AI investments in the recent 2024 federal budget.
This phase of the consultation – which will run until the end of October – will focus on how artificial intelligence should, or shouldn’t, be used in the federal government. Canadians can provide feedback on this page.
Consultations for the strategy began in May 2024 at a roundtable with prominent AI experts and leaders in academia and private and public sectors from across Canada. Consultations with representatives of academia, bargaining agents, civil society, the public service, Indigenous communities, and industry have already taken place.
‘Human-centered, collaborative’ AI strategy
Based on the feedback from the previous consultations, the strategy needs to be human-centered, collaborative, trusted, and ready for safe, secure, and successful AI adoption across government, according to the federal government.
Once developed, the strategy will align and accelerate responsible AI adoption throughout the federal public service. It will outline how Ottawa will leverage AI in technology and operations to enhance productivity of public servants, increase our capacity for science and research, and deliver improved digital services for people in Canada, according to the federal government.
Ottawa expects to publish the AI Strategy on Canada.ca in spring 2025.
Nearly all Canadians are looking for ground rules when it comes to the use and development of AI in the country, according to a previous TELUS report.
