Government of Canada Public AI Consultation

What You Need to Know and Why You Should Participate

Cezary Gesikowski
6 min readSep 21, 2024
Image by the author via GAI

The Canadian government is taking strides toward creating a national strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI), and they’re looking for input from everyone — whether you’re an AI expert or simply interested in how AI could shape the future. The Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) has opened a public consultation to gather insights on how AI should be used within the federal public service. This is your chance to share your thoughts and influence how the government will approach AI [Canadian Citizens/Residents only]. In this article, we’ll break down the critical points of the consultation, explain why it matters, and outline what Canadians need to know to participate.

Why Is This Consultation Important?

As AI continues to grow and develop, governments worldwide are grappling with responsibly integrating these technologies. AI has the potential to improve efficiency, solve complex problems, and enhance public services, but it also comes with risks, such as bias and privacy concerns.

The Canadian government wants to hear from the public — especially those who work with or have a strong interest in AI — so they can shape a strategy that reflects a broad range of perspectives. The aim is to harness the benefits of AI while ensuring it is used ethically and in the public’s best interests.

This consultation allows Canadians to have their voices heard and influence AI’s direction in the federal public service. Whether you’re passionate about innovation, concerned about privacy, or somewhere in between, your input can help shape the future of AI in Canada.

Key Questions the Government Is Asking

The consultation focuses on three main questions, each of which touches on a critical aspect of AI adoption and use in government. Here’s a closer look at the questions and why they matter.

1. Priorities for AI Adoption

Question: “Where should the Government of Canada focus its efforts to adopt and use AI? Please explain why you think this, giving examples and any supporting evidence.”

  • What It Means: The government wants to know where AI can make the biggest positive impact. They’re looking for insights into which areas of public service could benefit the most from AI technology. This could include everything from healthcare and environmental management to public safety or education.
  • Why It’s Important: By identifying the most promising areas for AI adoption, the government can allocate resources effectively and invest in technologies that will make a meaningful difference. This question encourages you to think about where AI could solve real-world problems and how it could improve the services that Canadians rely on every day.
  • What Could Happen Next: Your feedback on this question could influence future government projects and funding. If certain areas — like healthcare or environmental monitoring — are highlighted as top priorities, we might see accelerated efforts to deploy AI solutions in those sectors.

2. Areas to Avoid in AI Adoption

Question: “Are there any areas where the Government of Canada should not adopt or use AI, or types of AI it should avoid? Please explain why you think this, giving examples and any supporting evidence.”

  • What It Means: Not all AI applications are appropriate for government use. This question is about identifying potential risks, such as privacy concerns, biases in AI decision-making, or applications that could lead to misuse.
  • Why It’s Important: While AI offers many benefits, it also poses ethical challenges. This question encourages participants to consider the downsides of AI and provide input on where the government should exercise caution. Issues like surveillance, biased algorithms, and AI systems that could undermine public trust are at the top of my mind here.
  • What Could Happen Next: If participants highlight significant concerns — such as the risk of AI infringing on personal privacy or reinforcing discrimination — the government may choose to limit or regulate AI use in those areas. This feedback could shape policies safeguarding public trust and ensuring that AI is used responsibly.

3. Additional Comments and Suggestions

Question: “Are there any other comments or suggestions you would like to make on the strategy or the Government of Canada’s AI use?”

  • What It Means: This open-ended question allows participants to share any other thoughts or ideas not covered by the previous questions. If you have additional insights, concerns, or suggestions, you can voice them.
  • Why It’s Important: AI is a broad and complex field, and this question ensures that all valuable perspectives are included. Whether you have ideas about how AI can be better integrated into government services or concerns about how it could impact society, this is the place to share them.
  • What Could Happen Next: The feedback collected from this question could influence various aspects of the government’s AI strategy. It offers a space for diverse opinions, which can lead to more robust and well-rounded policies.

Why These Questions Matter

These questions reflect the government’s desire to create a balanced AI strategy that:

  • Promotes Innovation: By focusing on areas with the most potential for AI, the government can support growth and improve efficiency in public services.
  • Ensures Ethical Use: Identifying areas where AI should be avoided helps prevent misuse and maintains public trust.
  • Encourages Broad Participation: The open-ended question allows for diverse input, ensuring no critical perspectives are overlooked.

What Comes Next for Canada’s AI Strategy?

image by the author via GAI

This consultation is just one step in a broader process to shape Canada’s AI future. Based on the feedback collected, the government will likely focus on several key themes:

  • Responsible AI: A clear priority will be ensuring that AI is used ethically, with attention to privacy, fairness, and transparency.
  • Collaboration with Experts: By inviting input from AI professionals and enthusiasts, the government signals that it values expertise and innovation in this field.
  • Public Involvement: The consultation process shows a commitment to engaging with the public, making sure that AI development aligns with Canadian values and needs.

How to Make Your Voice Heard

If you’re interested in contributing to Canada’s AI strategy, participating in this consultation is a great way to get involved. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Do Your Research: If you’re not already familiar with how AI is being used in public services, take some time to read up on the topic. Understanding the current landscape will help you provide informed feedback.
  2. Be Specific: When answering the questions, provide specific examples and evidence to support your points. This will make your input more valuable and actionable.
  3. Think Broadly: AI affects many areas of society, from healthcare to education and public safety. Consider how AI could impact not just one area but multiple sectors.
  4. Speak Up: Don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Whether you’re an AI expert or simply someone who cares about the future of technology in Canada, your input is valuable.

Why You Should Participate in the Consultation?

The TBS consultation on AI adoption is a crucial opportunity for Canadians to help shape the country’s future in artificial intelligence. The government is demonstrating its commitment to responsible, inclusive AI development by asking thoughtful questions and inviting open-ended feedback. Whether you’re an AI professional, an enthusiast, or just a concerned citizen, your input can help ensure that Canada’s AI strategy is innovative, ethical, and in line with the public interest.

If you are a Canadian citizen residing in Canada, this is your chance to help shape the future of AI in Canada — don’t miss it!

👉 Survey link: https://ow.ly/R3Yr50TrNi4 👍

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Cezary Gesikowski

Human+Artificial Intelligence | Photography+Algography | UX+Design+Systems Thinking | Art+Technology | Philosophy+Literature | Theoria+Poiesis+Praxis