Source: Canadian Lawyer Magazine

Canadian Lawyer Magazine – The article by Aidan Macnab discusses Canada's newly introduced AI Strategy for the Public Service, marking the country's first dedicated initiative to guide artificial intelligence usage within government operations. Developed by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the strategy emphasizes responsible and transparent AI integration to modernize public administration while safeguarding democratic values and public trust.

The strategy introduces several pillars, including clear governance structures, increased public engagement, and workforce readiness. It mandates federal departments to adopt AI only when its outcomes can be explained, monitored, and aligned with human-centric values. The initiative also highlights the importance of identifying and mitigating algorithmic bias, particularly in areas affecting vulnerable populations.

A dedicated Centre of Expertise on AI will support departments in implementation, ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards. The AI strategy builds on previous Canadian policies, such as the Directive on Automated Decision-Making and Canada’s Digital Standards, providing a harmonized framework for AI accountability in public services.