The Canadian government has established a clear stance on artificial intelligence (AI), committing to its responsible use in government programmes and services. Canada has set out five Guiding Principles to ensure the effective and ethical use of AI, focusing on understanding impacts, transparency, meaningful explanations for AI decision-making, openness, and sufficient training.
In collaboration with the Quebec government, Canada has launched initiatives to advance the responsible development of AI, including the establishment of the Centre of Expertise in Montréal for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (ICEMAI).
The Government of Canada's Treasury Board Secretariat has implemented a Directive on Automated Decision-making to ensure administrative decisions are compatible with core administrative law principles. This includes the development of an Algorithmic Impact Assessment tool to assess and mitigate risks associated with automated decision systems.
In June 2022, the Canadian government introduced Bill C-27, the Digital Charter Implementation Act (DCIA). This comprehensive legislation includes provisions for consumer privacy protection, personal information and data protection, and artificial intelligence regulation. The DCIA aims to strengthen data protection, provide rights for automated decision explanations, and establish guidelines for AI system development and implementation.
Canada has established an Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence to inform the country's long-term vision for AI. The Council has emphasiwe’d the importance of public trust and support in AI policy design.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada oversees the enforcement of federal privacy laws. The proposed Digital Charter Implementation Act aims to modernise data protection frameworks, including new provisions for AI systems. The Privacy Commissioner has also issued proposals for regulating AI, recommending amendments to existing legislation to address AI-specific concerns.
While Canada currently lacks specific legislation on algorithmic transparency, the proposed Digital Charter Implementation Act includes new transparency requirements for automated decision-making systems. The government is also participating in international efforts to promote algorithmic transparency through initiatives like the Open Algorithms Network.
Canada has taken action against the misuse of facial recognition technology, notably in the case of Clearview AI. Privacy commissioners have recommended creating a legal regulatory framework for the use of facial recognition by law enforcement, emphasising the need for clear definitions, strict necessity and proportionality, independent oversight, and privacy protections.
Canada has expressed support for international efforts to address concerns about lethal autonomous weapons systems. The country has participated in discussions and initiatives aimed at developing principles and good practices for emerging technologies in this area.
Canada has been actively involved in international AI initiatives, including endorsing the OECD and G20 AI Principles. The country co-founded the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) with France and has collaborated with the European Union on AI initiatives related to COVID-19 response.
Canada is also a signatory to the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and participated in the AI Safety Summit, endorsing the Bletchley Declaration on responsible AI development.
The country's efforts to update privacy laws, implement ethical guidelines for government AI use, and engage in international cooperation demonstrate a commitment to addressing the challenges posed by AI. However, ongoing work is needed to fully implement proposed legislation and address emerging concerns in areas such as facial recognition and algorithmic transparency.
This country report is our interpretation and summary of the "CAIDP Artificial Intelligence & Democratic Values Index 2023". The full report can be found here - https://www.caidp.org/reports/aidv-2023/