With artificial intelligence technology at a pivotal moment, a new Deloitte report emphasizes the need for a national debate on how Canada approaches AI. The report calls for a system of public investment that supports AI sectors where Canada holds a competitive edge.
Audrey Ancion, lead of the Deloitte AI Institute, stressed that Canada needs a clear plan for adopting AI technology that is trustworthy, responsible, and creates long-term value. The current lack of support for turning innovative AI ideas into market-ready products has been identified as a significant barrier to growth.
Deloitte recommends the federal government focus on areas of AI development with the most potential for economic growth and social benefits, such as healthcare, agriculture, mining, and financial services. Additionally, the report highlights the importance of building public trust in AI and ensuring its ethical use.
Canada’s early commitment to AI, starting with its 2017 national AI strategy, has positioned the country as a global leader in AI research. The country’s strength comes from its research institutes and AI pioneers like Yoshua Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton. Despite this, the report warns that Canada risks falling behind if it does not capitalize on these strengths and foster more innovation within its borders, especially given the ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.
The federal government’s $2.4-billion investment in AI research infrastructure in 2023 is a step forward, but Ancion argues Canada needs to ensure AI development stays aligned with Canadian values and avoids reliance on foreign technologies.
Election candidates should be prioritizing concrete AI policies that protect Canada’s digital sovereignty. While Liberal Leader Mark Carney has mentioned AI in his leadership campaign, focusing on its potential to improve government productivity and safeguard Canadian interests, more detailed policy proposals are still lacking. The NDP has emphasized the need for AI regulations to manage risks such as privacy concerns and energy use in data centers.
With AI moving quickly, the report urges the government to boost AI literacy and focus on its ethical applications, ensuring Canadians are both equipped to leverage its potential and protected from its risks. The creation of the Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute is a promising step in this direction, and the government must continue to support such initiatives to advance AI safely and responsibly.
Source: Swifteradio.com
