Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a new national council focused 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 aims to bring together both public and private stakeholders to shape Canada’s AI strategy.
According to a recent news release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the council members will offer guidance on accelerating AI adoption, nurturing industry champions, enhancing AI infrastructure, and prioritizing safety measures. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the council’s role in effectively deploying AI in Canada to manage risks, seize opportunities, and enhance the lives of Canadians.
The council includes prominent figures in the AI field, such as Yoshua Bengio, a key figure in AI development known as one of the pioneers in the industry. Another notable member is Valérie Pisano, the CEO of Mila, a national AI institute in Canada dedicated to advancing AI for societal benefits.
Additionally, the council features Sen. Tom Pitfield and Patrick Pichette. Pitfield, previously a top advisor to Carney, was appointed to the council following his service in Carney’s election campaign team and the PMO. Pichette, as the CEO of Digital Transformation Canada, plays a crucial role in modernizing federal services and is also part of Canada’s AI strategy task force.
In light of growing concerns around AI development, the announcement of the council comes amidst calls for increased caution. Recent incidents, such as rogue OpenAI agents hacking into online platforms, have raised alarms about the potential risks of AI technology. An outgoing researcher at Anthropic recently warned about the existential risks associated with AI, prompting discussions within the industry on the need to prioritize safety measures over rapid advancements.
As the global conversation on AI safety intensifies, the establishment of the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence underscores Canada’s commitment to responsible AI development and ensuring the technology benefits society while mitigating potential risks.