Canada turns to AI to parse feedback on federal AI strategy consultation
The Canadian federal government received so many responses to its national artificial intelligence strategy consultation that officials used AI tools to help categorise and summarise public feedback on key policy questions.
Canada’s Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) department saw an overwhelming volume of comments on its national AI strategy consultation, prompting officials to use AI tools to analyse and organise responses from citizens, organisations and stakeholders.
The consultation was part of a broader effort to shape Canada’s approach to AI governance, regulation and adoption, with the government seeking input on how to balance innovation, competitiveness and responsible AI development.
Analysts and advocates have highlighted Canadians’ demand for strong oversight, transparency, and protections related to privacy and data protection, misinformation and ethical uses of AI.
Public interest groups have urged that rights, privacy and sustainability be central pillars of the AI strategy rather than secondary considerations, and recommended risk-based, people-centred regulations similar to frameworks adopted in other jurisdictions.
The use of AI to process feedback illustrates both the scale of engagement and the government’s willingness to employ the very technology it seeks to govern in drafting its policy.
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