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FUTURE OF AI Pioneering Canada's AI Future The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science & Industry unveils AIDA Legislation, ensuring responsible AI and fueling commercialization leadership.
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The Honourable FrançoisPhilippe Champagne Minister of Innovation, Science & Industry
hen I began my tenure as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, I was struck by the potential of AI to transform our world. While our government was carving out a way to fuel and sustain an AI leadership role for Canada, I saw an opportunity to seize this moment. Since, we’ve put forward a number of efforts and measures to demonstrate that Canada can be a leader in this emerging industry. The Pan-Canadian AI Strategy was launched in 2018 to provide federal funding and coordination for AI research and talent, and we followed-up by launching phase two of the AI strategy in 2022, which provided more than $440 million to support AI research, compute power, and commercialization. This work is paying dividends: today, Montreal has the highest concentration of researchers and students of deep learning, and Toronto-Waterloo has the highest concentration of AI start-ups anywhere in the world. We have a strong foundation of talent and institutions to position Canada for success in a AI-enabled world. In 2020, Canada, in partnership with France, co-founded the Global Partnership
on Artificial Intelligence. Our world-leading Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence plays a key role in advising our government on the best ways to build our national strengths and global leadership in AI, identifying opportunities for economic growth that benefit all Canadians, and ensuring that AI advancements reflect Canadian values. Canada has also been a leading contributor to international frameworks, including through the G7 Hiroshima AI process and the Bletchley Park Declaration, which I was proud to sign this last November at the world’s first global summit on AI safety. With that said, we know that powerful AI systems, if not properly safeguarded, can present serious risks to individuals and society. That’s why, in 2022, I put forward a new legislation: the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act. Once AIDA becomes law, the industry would have clear guardrails to help maximize the benefits and minimize potential harms. AIDA sets a solid foundation for regulating the development and operation of AI systems with significant impacts on health, safety, or human rights. It sets clear
boundaries around unacceptable conduct, while creating space for research and innovation that will lead to tomorrow’s exciting products and services. The Act is designed to be adaptable to future innovations in AI while allowing us to address future risks. We’re not standing idly by until AIDA comes into force to take action on responsible AI. We recently developed a Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems that is designed to help firms mitigate the risks of generative AI now, and provide a bridge to the regulations that will follow under AIDA. Today, we find ourselves at an inflection point in AI and we must act now to guide the responsible development and use of this technology in our society. If we miss this chance, we risk not being able to capture the full benefits that AI could generate for better healthcare, energy efficiency, Read the extended version online at and supply chains. innovatingcanada.ca. A clear and responsible framework that provides safety, transparency, and fairness will ensure Canada remains a global AI leader for generations to come.
I was struck by the potential of AI to transform our world.
As AI Comes Under Global Scrutiny, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Launches the Future of AI Council
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The full potential of AI has yet to be unlocked. - Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia
Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia, Senior Director, Digital Economy, Technology and Innovation and Future of AI Council Lead, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
n November 6, 2023, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce convened a diverse assembly of 30 organizations from across Canada for the inaugural meeting of its Future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Council. This inclusive Council, representing varied sectors, seeks to navigate the integration of AI into Canadian business and policy while recognizing its global potential as a positive economic force. Strategically scheduled a week after the Bletchley Declaration and the U.S. White House Executive Order on AI, the Council delved into pivotal discussions, with particular emphasis on the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) in Bill C-27—currently under study by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology.
In response to these significant policy initiatives, the Future of AI Council aims to proactively shape federal AI policy during a period of heightened government scrutiny and regulation. Serving as an action-oriented platform, the Council commits to collaborating with the government to foster Canadian-led innovation and responsibly integrate AI into businesses, driving economic productivity and growth across the nation. Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia, Council Lead and Senior Director of Digital Economy, Technology, and Innovation at the Canadian Chamber, notes, "It could not be a more opportune time for the Canadian Chamber’s Future of AI Council." Recognizing the profound impact of evolving AI on people's lives, work, and interactions, she emphasizes the complexity of responsible AI integration, requiring a thorough understanding of both risks and benefits.
Acknowledging the prevalent focus on mitigating AI risks, the Canadian Chamber and Council members maintain the need to highlight the transformative technology's numerous benefits. While advocating for smart regulations and privacy protections, they stress the importance of striking a balance that supports innovation and commercialization in the burgeoning AI-driven economy. November concluded with the Canadian Chamber's Artificial Intelligence Learn more about the Executive Summit, a half-day exploration Canadian Chamber’s into the ethical and responsible adoption Future of AI Council at of AI. Featuring Deputy Minister Simon chamber.ca. Kennedy of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada as the keynote speaker, the summit represented the Canadian Chamber's proactive stance in advocating for policies that position AI as a positive economic force.
Business Development Manager: Karim Jooma Strategic Account Director: Jessica Golyatov Content Strategist: Nicole Kansakar Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Production Lead: Michael Taylor Creative Lead: Kylie Armishaw Web Editor: Christina Morgan Digital Media Coordinator: Kristen Neals Digital Traffic Strategist: Karm Rathod All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The National Post or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.