From health care to manufacturing, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a question of if but how. At the core of this shift is the need to ensure that AI solutions are not only innovative but also ethical and responsible.
On November 19, Communitech Good AI and CityAge brought together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and founders at Securing Canada’s AI Advantage, a summit focused on navigating the challenges and opportunities AI presents.
“With more than 400 artificial intelligence firms and institutions in our province — a number that is growing daily — Ontario truly is at the forefront of an artificial-intelligence-enabled future,” said Hon. Todd J. McCarthy, Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. “Our government is committed to realizing this potential safely, responsibly, and ethically. Through cooperation and working in lockstep with all partners we will ensure the success, the security, and the economic prosperity of our province for decades to come.”
Held at the EY Tower in Toronto, the day-long event marked the launch of a yearly initiative to solidify Canada’s position as a global AI powerhouse. The summit explored how ethical, responsible and strategic investments in AI can drive productivity, innovation and long-term prosperity.
“The core of Canada’s AI advantage revolves around ethical and responsible AI,” said Kevin Tuer, CTO of Communitech. “Canada is one of the most trusted countries globally, and we should leverage our historical strengths in peacekeeping, international diplomacy and economic stability.”
A common takeaway was that collaboration across industries and government is essential for Canada to realize its full potential in AI governance and adoption.
One speaker emphasized the need to focus on a few significant, enterprise-wide AI use cases for Ontario rather than many smaller ones and highlighted the importance of getting it right in Ontario to set a strong example for the rest of Canada.
Another speaker discussed the importance of investing in and working with Canadian AI leaders and engaging in open conversations about the benefits of AI with colleagues and family, and noted that AI will impact every industry, so it's crucial to understand its potential and risks.
Panel discussions tackled the critical factors needed to advance AI adoption. Speakers explored everything from the practical application of AI in strategic sectors to the policies and regulations that will ensure ethical and trustworthy AI practices.
One panelist highlighted the importance of ensuring AI models are reliable and secure, to build trust and enable wider AI adoption. Another panelist suggested treating AI as a team member to encourage its effective use and integration into workflows.
Workshops facilitated by Andrew Matlock, founder of Sitrus, engaged attendees in co-creating actionable strategies for global AI leadership and provided hands-on opportunities for attendees to contribute ideas and build connections. These sessions highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors to tackle challenges like AI literacy, talent development and intellectual property management.
As the day concluded, Tuer and CityAge CEO Miro Cernetig urged attendees to commit to ongoing collaboration.
“We’re going to take all the insights from today, pull together an action plan and use that as the blueprint to move forward,” Tuer said. “But to actually make this action plan work, we need participation from all of you. So, I guess I’m looking for volunteers today and throughout the course of the year, as we make progress on each of those action items. When we come back next year, we’ll hold each other accountable and see where we’ve made progress.”
