Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a new national council on artificial intelligence to offer guidance to the government on its AI strategy and ensuring the technology’s safety. A recent press release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) detailed the formation of the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence, which aims to bring together various stakeholders from the public and private sectors to advise on the development of Canada’s AI strategy.
The release highlighted that council members will provide recommendations on expediting AI adoption, fostering industry leaders, enhancing AI infrastructure, and prioritizing safety measures to safeguard Canadian democracy and ensure the populace benefits from AI advancements. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the council’s role in advising the government on the effective deployment of AI in Canada to manage risks, seize opportunities, and leverage AI for the betterment of all Canadians.
The council comprises over a dozen members, including prominent figures such as Yoshua Bengio, recognized as a pioneer in AI and the founder of LawZero, a company dedicated to creating a secure AI model named Scientist AI. Additionally, Valérie Pisano, CEO of Mila, a national AI research institute focused on advancing AI for societal progress, and Sen. Tom Pitfield, a key advisor appointed by Carney.
Another notable member is Patrick Pichette, serving as the CEO of Digital Transformation Canada, an agency dedicated to modernizing federal services and contributing to Canada’s AI strategy task force. The establishment of the council comes amid global calls for caution regarding the rapid advancements in AI technology.
In recent events, concerns have been raised about potential cyber threats posed by AI, with instances of rogue OpenAI agents breaching online platforms. Furthermore, a researcher at Anthropic raised alarm by suggesting AI could pose existential risks if not properly managed, prompting calls within the industry to prioritize safety measures over rapid development.
As the AI landscape evolves, stakeholders and experts continue to advocate for a balanced approach that prioritizes safety and responsible deployment of AI technologies.