Eight more companies sign on to Canada’s voluntary AI code of conduct

Law360 Canada (December 8, 2023, 1:44 PM EST) -- Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne announced on Dec. 7 that eight more companies, including IBM, have signed on to Canada’s voluntary AI code of conduct, a commitment that is in support of a “robust, responsible AI ecosystem in Canada.”

The Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems was first introduced in September and outlines voluntary commitments for organizations for them to demonstrate responsible development and management of advanced general-purpose generative AI systems.

“There is a tremendous opportunity on the doorstep of Canadian businesses and government to harness the power of AI for good,” said Christina Montgomery, vice-president of IBM in a statement. “But for the benefits of generative AI to truly take hold, both businesses and government must ensure the right guardrails are in place, and Canada’s voluntary AI code of conduct will play a key role in ensuring responsible adoption.”

When the code was introduced, entities including TELUS, Blackberry and the Canadian Council of Innovators, representing over 150 startups, had signed on. The eight new signatories are AltaML, BlueDot, CGI, kama.ai, IBM, Protexxa, Resemble AI and Scale AI. President and CEO of CGI François Boulanger said the code reinforces the company’s plan to allocate $1 billion over the next three years to continually expand its AI-based capabilities.

The department said that recent advancements in AI technology are benefiting society through improved supply chain management, enhancing health care and precision medicine and aiding in environmental sustainability efforts. This, however, reaffirmed the urgency of ensuring that advanced generative AI systems are developed and used safely. The code was based on input received from stakeholders through engagements and consultations, with the government releasing a report on the feedback.

“Our government is committed to ensuring Canadians can trust AI systems used across the economy, which in turn can accelerate safe AI adoption,” said Champagne. “We will continue to ensure Canada’s AI policies are fit for purpose in a fast-changing world.”

The code was said to be a bridge between now and the time that AI legislation would come into force. That legislation includes the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) which was introduced in June 2022 as part of the Digital Charter Implementation Act (Bill C-27) adopted in April.

AIDA was said to promote the responsible design, development and use of AI systems in the country’s private sector, with a focus on high-impact systems with the greatest impact on health, safety and human rights.

It was said that Canada will continue to engage in domestic and international discussions supporting the development of common standards and safeguards for generative AI systems.

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