The Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board of Canada, announced the launch of public consultations for Canada’s first artificial intelligence (AI) strategy for the federal public service. Speaking at the “Symposium on Digital Trust and Cyber Security” in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador last month, Anand invited Canadians to share their thoughts on how AI should be integrated into federal government operations.
The consultations mark a significant step forward in the development of a strategy aimed at harnessing AI to improve government services while ensuring that its use remains responsible, inclusive, and secure. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Canadian government to advance digital transformation, strengthen cyber security, and foster digital trust.
This round of public consultations builds on earlier discussions that began in May 2024. At that time, AI experts, academics, private sector leaders, and public service representatives gathered to provide initial input on the federal AI strategy. The feedback so far has emphasized the importance of a human-centered, trusted, and collaborative approach to AI adoption across government operations.
Anand highlighted the key objectives of the strategy during her announcement, stating that the strategy will not only enhance the productivity of public servants but also expand the government’s capacity for scientific research and improve digital services for Canadians.
“Artificial intelligence holds immense potential to transform how the federal government delivers services to Canadians,” said Minister Anand. “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. 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.”
The public consultations will run through October 31, 2024, and are designed to engage a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives from academia, civil society, Indigenous communities, industry, and the general public. The government hopes that this inclusive approach will help shape an AI strategy that reflects the values and priorities of Canadians.
Anand also stressed the importance of collaboration between different levels of government. “Events like the symposium are vital to building on Canada’s digital progress, ensuring better and consistent service delivery to Canadians, and finding solutions to challenges that involve multiple levels of government, including the responsible use of AI,” she said.
The strategy is supported by significant funding, with $2.4 billion allocated for AI investments in the federal government’s 2024 budget. This financial commitment underscores the government’s belief that AI can play a transformative role in modernizing public service operations.
The results of the public consultation process will help shape the final strategy, which is expected to be published on Canada.ca in the spring of 2025. The federal government is committed to ensuring that AI is implemented in a way that enhances public trust, protects privacy, and supports the principles of inclusivity and accessibility.
For those interested in participating, the consultation details are available on the Government of Canada’s website.
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