Artificial Intelligence and Canadian Federal Science: A Discussion Paper - Marija Cvetkova and Rhonda Moore, September 2023

To complement the information derived from the literature, the IOG prepared and disseminated a short survey to members of the federal scientific and research community to collect information about current uses and applications of AI in science-based departments and agencies. [...] As defined in section 39.4 of the AIDA, the purpose of the Act is to “regulate international and interprovincial trade and commerce in AI systems by establishing common requirements, applicable across Canada, for the design, development and use of those systems; and to prohibit certain conduct in relation to AI systems that may result in serious harm to individuals or harm to their interest” (Hous. [...] The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Industry (ISI) would administer and enforce the AIDA (with the exception of prosecutable offences), and a newly created AI and Data Commissioner would support the Minister of ISI in their responsibilities, work with regulators in ensuring regulatory capacity, and monitor systemic effects of AI systems to inform policymaking. [...] Instead, the Directive relies on the use of the term ‘client’ to convey the applicable scope, with a definition of the term ‘client’ provided for in the Policy on Service and Digital. [...] AI and the internet of things (IOT) are destined to be combined for the benefits of AI to be maximized: what are the unique risks that exist at the interface of AI and IOT that government scientists will need to navigate? 3.