Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a new national council on artificial intelligence to advise the government on its AI strategy and ensuring the technology’s safety. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence, as outlined in a news release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), aims to bring together various stakeholders to guide Canada’s AI strategy.
The council members will provide recommendations on speeding up AI adoption, fostering industry champions, enhancing AI infrastructure, and prioritizing AI safety to safeguard Canadian democracy and ensure the technology benefits all Canadians. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the council’s role in advising the government on effectively deploying AI in Canada to manage risks, seize opportunities, and use AI to enhance the lives of Canadians.
Among the council members are prominent figures in the AI field, including Yoshua Bengio, known as one of the pioneers of AI, who leads LawZero, a company focused on creating a secure AI model called Scientist AI. Another key member is Valérie Pisano, CEO of Mila, one of Canada’s leading AI institutes dedicated to advancing AI for societal well-being.
Senator Tom Pitfield, appointed to the council by Carney, previously served as one of Carney’s top advisors and now brings his expertise to the council. Patrick Pichette, CEO of Digital Transformation Canada, a new agency striving to modernize federal services, also joins the council and is a member of Canada’s AI strategy task force.
The establishment of the council comes amidst global calls for caution in the rapid advancement of AI technology. Concerns have been raised about the potential risks associated with AI development, with recent incidents highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety and ethical use of AI. An open letter signed by numerous companies warned about the growing threat of AI-powered cyberattacks as the technology continues to evolve.
In light of these concerns, industry leaders like Dario Amodei of Anthropic have emphasized the need for the AI sector to prioritize safety measures and slow down development to address potential risks effectively. The council’s formation signifies a proactive step towards shaping a responsible and beneficial AI landscape in Canada.
