AI in Public Service- Canada Unveils Plan to Integrate

Treasury Board President Anita Anand has announced an initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into Canada’s public service, emphasizing the responsible use of AI while excluding certain sensitive areas. This strategy marks a significant step towards modernizing government operations and improving service delivery.

Treasury Board President Anita Anand launched consultations Monday on a new public service strategy for artificial intelligence. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

AI in Public Service: Scope and Limitations

Anand underscored that AI tools, especially generative AI like ChatGPT, will not be used for handling confidential information, such as cabinet documents. “Managers will have the discretion as to when that is able to be used, but I will say that in areas of confidentiality, cabinet confidences for example, generative AI isn’t generally going to be used,” she stated.

This decision stems from ongoing reviews addressing the handling of confidential information within the government. Anand promised further updates on this issue soon.

Ensuring Responsible AI Use Public Service

The consultations aim to devise a strategy that ensures AI tools are employed responsibly, avoiding bias and discrimination. “This is part of the work that we’re doing to ensure that the AI tools that we are incorporating are not used for unsavoury or discriminatory purposes,” Anand explained.

Re-skilling Public Servants

Recognizing the competitive nature of the AI talent market, Anand announced plans to establish a division within the Treasury Board dedicated to re-skilling public servants in cyber and cyber technology.

National Public Service AI Strategy Priorities

During a roundtable with experts, Anand outlined three priorities for the national AI strategy:

1. Enhancing services for Canadians.
2. Increasing operational efficiency.
3. Driving science and research.

“The question is really going to be how can we, with this strategy, add greater efficiencies but also simplify the interactions of the Canadian population and organizations and businesses with federal services,” Anand emphasized.

Setting an Example

Anand highlighted the importance of the public service in setting a precedent for AI use in the private sector. “As the largest employer in the country, we set an example for those employers,” she said.

Public Trust and Transparency

Experts at the roundtable compared the necessity of public trust in AI to the trust required in the government’s oversight of food safety. The government plans to launch its public service AI strategy by March, focusing on transparency and building public trust.

Key Developments in AI and Government

1. $2.4 Billion AI Investments: Prime Minister Trudeau announced substantial investments aimed at bolstering AI-related projects.
2. New AI Rules for Public Servants: The federal government has issued guidelines to ensure ethical AI use among public servants.
3. Preventing AI Discrimination: Measures are being taken to ensure AI tools do not discriminate against potential hires.
4. AI Code of Conduct: A new code of conduct for AI use by Canadian companies has been unveiled, promoting ethical standards.

This new strategy represents a careful and forward-thinking approach to integrating AI within public service, balancing innovation with the imperative of safeguarding confidential information and maintaining public trust.