Canada launches public consultations on AI strategy in St. John\"s

On September 16, 2024, in St. John's, NL, the Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board, initiated public consultations for Canada's inaugural artificial intelligence (AI) strategy aimed at the federal public service. This initiative is part of a broader effort to gather insights from Canadians regarding the responsible use of AI within government operations. The consultations are designed to ensure that the strategy is human-centered, collaborative, and trusted, reflecting diverse perspectives from various stakeholders, including academia, civil society, and Indigenous communities. The public consultation process follows a roundtable held in May 2024, which included discussions with AI experts and leaders from multiple sectors. Feedback received thus far emphasizes the need for a strategy that prioritizes safety and security in AI adoption. The consultations will be open until October 31, 2024, and the findings will inform the development of the strategy, which is expected to be published in spring 2025. This initiative is supported by a significant investment of $2.4 billion allocated for AI in the 2024 federal budget. The strategy aims to enhance the productivity of public servants, improve digital services for Canadians, and increase the government's capacity for science and research. The symposium on Digital Trust and Cyber Security, where the announcement was made, serves as a platform for collaboration among digital government leaders to address challenges related to AI and digital transformation. Ultimately, the development of this AI strategy is seen as a crucial step towards modernizing government operations, ensuring that the deployment of AI technologies is responsible and meets the evolving needs of Canadians. The consultations are a vital part of building a foundation for innovative and efficient government services.