The age of artificial intelligence is here, bringing in a transformative wave with the potential to touch every aspect of our daily lives and improve our experiences in unimaginable ways. A sociological revolution, not merely a technological improvement, is moving us into a future where invention takes center stage. On Wednesday, the 29th, Chris Barry, President of Microsoft Canada, updated us through a blog post.
He said, “Nonetheless, a fundamental mission remains; as we embark on an AI-powered future, it is critical that we develop responsibly and that any progress fits with human values.” The importance of human monitoring cannot be emphasized in this fascinating technological transformation. AI is a tool made possible by human creativity. Our ability to lead, manage, and ensure responsible AI implementation is critical. Regulation is essential for ensuring that we responsibly explore AI’s huge potential.
Canada is at the forefront of advocating for responsible AI governance. The recent release of a Canadian code of conduct for advanced AI systems and contributions to the historic G7 Hiroshima Process position Canada as a global leader in responsible AI deployment. Codes of conduct are useful tools for governments worldwide as they develop legislative and regulatory frameworks for AI. Codes are the foundation for a worldwide interoperable framework across G7 countries and their partners. Concurrently, the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (Bill C-27) by the Canadian government marks a watershed moment in responsible regulation.
Barry added, “At Microsoft, we advocate for strong legislation that navigates the challenges of AI, ensuring we protect privacy, civil liberties, and ethical considerations while cultivating the potential of this transformative technology. And, at the heart of this shift, we are committed to supporting ground-breaking initiatives demonstrating our country’s leadership in AI.”
And we’ve already begun to witness the results of these advancements. During the pandemic, Canada’s healthcare industry helped to reduce the transmission of infections, improve patient safety, and pave the way for a future in which AI technologies aid in transforming healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. Canadian healthcare institutions such as Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN) and BC Cancer are also uncovering hidden insights inside enormous databases by leveraging the power of AI technology, leading to advances in cancer therapies.
The City of Kelowna is developing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to speed up the building permit process by 20-30%, improving the overall experience of citizens and government workers alike: citizens who receive frictionless service and government workers whose wellbeing improves as a result of lower churn from data overload and repetitive work.
“We are working with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to create a net-zero and ecologically resilient future in which AI solutions fuel new energy insights, matching local carbon-free sources, decreasing emissions, and shaping a sustainable energy landscape,” Barry said.
Across the country, AltaML is collaborating with the Government of Alberta and Alberta Wildfire to develop Microsoft AI-powered solutions to predict the likelihood of a fire in any region, assisting in determining how to deploy scarce resources best, resulting in $2 million to $5 million in annual savings and the protection of lives.
He is very happy with Microsoft being inclusive of native languages. He said, “It makes me very delighted that Microsoft included Inuktitut, the language spoken by more than 70% of the people in Nunavut, in Microsoft’s AI-powered translator. Our collaboration with the Government of Nunavut to conserve cultural assets embodies Canadian truth and reconciliation.”
To ensure that AI helps everyone, various stakeholders, including policymakers, academia, civil society, and industry, will need to work together to ensure that multiple perspectives and community interests are considered. Government and industry share responsibilities for ensuring that Canada’s workforce has the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to acquire jobs and improve livelihoods in an AI economy.
He writes that Microsoft is committed to assisting people and communities in learning how to harness the power of AI through our new AI Skills Initiative, as well as to continuing to invest in local talent capacity, including through initiatives such as the Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator, which was launched in collaboration with the DIGITAL, NPower Canada, and the CIBC Foundation.
The paper outlines their recommendations for robust legislative safeguards required to see AI influence more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable societies while prioritizing the safety, security, and confidence of Canadian residents, governments, and enterprises.
He further explains, “While Microsoft Canada celebrates our role in Canada’s AI-transformative path, we are equally aware of the challenges that lie ahead. AI has enormous promise, and with careful regulation, it can be a force for good, enhancing lives and empowering Canada.”
Canada and Microsoft’s cooperation symbolizes the convergence of innovation and ethics, forging a future in which AI serves humanity, enriches Canadians’ lives, and advances our great nation toward an end marked by limitless possibilities. Microsoft is deeply dedicated to this path in which Canada leads, inspires, and thrives in the digital age.
