The artificial intelligence minister promises to fight deepfakes and data transfers at a government conference in Montreal.
As Canada's AI minister signals plans to introduce long-awaited artificial intelligence (AI) and data privacy legislation, researchers and policymakers are calling on Canada to catch up with international partners in regulating the technology.
The Attention: Rule or Be Ruled conference in Montreal, organized by the Center for Media, Technology and Democracy and its non-profit arm Paradigms, brought together about 250 researchers, policymakers and industry representatives to discuss the best way to regulate technology in Canada.
“I have already given a strong signal and will repeal the law.”
Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon
Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon provided more details on the federal government's plans to introduce data privacy legislation, including rules regarding deepfakes (imitations of real people created by AI).
“We want to get into data communications and supply chain,” Solomon said. “We want to deal with sensitive data about children.”
Under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada tried find balance between AI innovation and regulation by signing international treaties on AI safety. However, he failed to pass laws regulating AI. Under Prime Minister Mark Carney, Solomon said he would not renew the previous government's Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), which was part of Bill C-27, but that the feds were looking at aspects that could continue. A bill aimed at modernizing privacy and data protection died in January when parliament was prorogued.
CONNECTED: Minister Evan Solomon introduced the Canadian AI Working Group
“I have already given a strong signal and will repeal the laws,” Solomon said, adding that “minority governments have their own climate.” Liberal House Leader Steve McKinnon said this week he was “concerned” that the upcoming federal budget would not be passed by parliament.
Since Bill C-27 was introduced, it has sparked debate about how best to protect citizens from technological harm while allowing Canadian firms to remain competitive. Solomon has hitherto maintained that he will pursue “easy, tight, right” regulate artificial intelligence and avoid policies that will stifle innovators. The priorities he laid out include scaling AI companies, driving AI adoption, increasing trust and building independent AI infrastructure.
Solomon's department collected Artificial Intelligence Task Forceconsisting of industry representatives and researchers to conduct a “30-day sprint” to help the government update its artificial intelligence strategy. In Montreal, he said 6,500 people also filled out individual applications online. consultation form according to strategy. At an event in Ottawa earlier in the day, he said the strategy could be launched in end of 2025 or January 2026.
Solomon's stated approach contrasted with remarks by European Union Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath, who argued that rules and regulations allow innovation to happen rather than stifle it.
“The answer has never been less innovation but more responsibility,” McGrath said. “Accountability comes alive through rules.”
The EU has reinforced this position with numerous laws that have sought to hold tech companies accountable. These include the Digital Services Act, which requires online platforms to protect users and monitor illegal content, and the Artificial Intelligence Act, which regulates the development of artificial intelligence and prohibits certain uses technologies.
McGrath urged participants not to “give up” on technology and cited some specific harmful effects that should be regulated, including addictive design, manipulative practices and the use of biometric data.
Philippe Dufresne, Canada's privacy commissioner, called on federal agencies to catch up with their international partners on regulatory issues. Dufresne, whose agency is tasked with enforcing legislation and investigating complaints, was asked on stage what ideas he thought Canada's artificial intelligence minister should hear.
“The answer has never been less innovation but more accountability. Accountability comes alive through rules.”
European Union Commissioner Michael McGrath
“We need to ensure strict enforcement,” he said. “It’s low-hanging fruit that puts us on par with our peers internationally.”
He added that Canada needs rules to protect children and combat deepfakes. “I’m optimistic we’ll be able to get them.”
Regulating technology, Dufresne says, is not a “zero-sum game.”
“You can have innovation, a strong economy and strong public interest, and at the same time have strong privacy protections.”
On artificial intelligence, Canadian AI scientist and Mila founder Yoshua Bengio said Canada must align its approach to regulation with global allies. Earlier this week Bengio signed an open letter calling for a ban on the development of “super-intelligent” AI.
“We don’t just need regulation, we need international treaties,” he said on stage.
Bengio warned of a “power game” in which countries and corporations that control powerful artificial intelligence systems could use it as a “tool of dominance.” To guard against the influence of big AI players such as the United States and China, Bengio said Canada should work with other middle powers and invest in AI development to remain competitive.
US trade influence has already led to changes in Canadian technology policy. Carney digital services tax canceledwhich would tax big tech companies for operating in Canada so as not to stall trade negotiations with the United States. However, US President Donald Trump said yesterday that he expectationntrade negotiations are underway with Canada over the Ontario government's anti-tariff television ads.
“I hope that politicians and companies will understand that if we continue with business as usual, there is a significant likelihood that we will be eaten alive politically, economically and militarily,” Bengio said.
Images courtesy of Jessica Devic of the Center for Media, Technology and Democracy.
