In a move signaling Canada’s commitment to transparency in artificial intelligence development, the federal government unveiled a comprehensive public registry yesterday documenting over 400 AI projects currently underway across various departments and agencies.
The registry, accessible through the Treasury Board Secretariat’s website, offers Canadians unprecedented visibility into how their government is deploying AI technologies – from predictive algorithms helping forecast flood patterns at Environment Canada to automated document processing systems at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
“This registry represents a significant milestone in our approach to responsible AI governance,” said Treasury Board President Anita Anand during the launch event at the National Arts Centre. “Canadians deserve to know how these powerful technologies are being developed and deployed with their tax dollars.”
The initiative emerges amid growing public concern about AI’s potential impacts on privacy, bias, and employment. According to recent polling by the Angus Reid Institute, nearly 68% of Canadians expressed worry about government use of AI systems without proper oversight.
Walking through Ottawa’s ByWard Market yesterday afternoon, I spoke with several residents about the announcement. Most, like software engineer Priya Sharma, cautiously welcomed the move.
“It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” Sharma told me while sipping coffee outside a local café. “The devil will be in the details though – how much technical information they’re actually sharing and whether they’re being forthcoming about potential risks.”
The registry categorizes projects based on risk level, with 27 initiatives currently classified as “high impact” – meaning they involve decision-making that could significantly affect individuals’ rights, health, or economic interests. These include systems being tested at the Canada Revenue Agency to identify potential tax fraud and tools being developed by Health Canada to prioritize medical device inspections.
Michael Karlin, Executive Director of AI Policy and Governance at the Treasury Board, emphasized that the registry goes beyond simple disclosure. “For higher-risk projects, departments must demonstrate they’ve conducted thorough algorithmic impact assessments and have mitigation strategies in place for potential harms,” he explained during a technical briefing.
Civil liberties organizations have praised the registry while pointing out limitations. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association called it “an important transparency mechanism” but noted concerns about the self-assessment nature of the risk classifications.
“Without independent verification, we’re essentially trusting departments to accurately report on their own compliance,” said Brenda McPhail, director of the CCLA’s Privacy, Technology and Surveillance Program. “We’ve advocated for third-party auditing of these systems.”
The registry reveals significant variance in AI adoption across government. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada leads with 47 projects, while Global Affairs Canada reports just six initiatives. The Department of National Defence lists 31 projects, though details on several remain limited due to national security considerations.
Ottawa’s move places Canada among global leaders in AI governance transparency. While the European Union has enacted more comprehensive AI regulations through its AI Act, Canada’s public registry approach exceeds transparency measures currently in place in the United States or United Kingdom.
Teresa Scassa, Canada Research Chair in Information Law and Policy at the University of Ottawa, views the registry as complementary to Canada’s recently passed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA).
“The registry helps operationalize the principles outlined in AIDA,” Scassa told me. “It creates a practical mechanism for accountability that’s often missing from high-level regulatory frameworks.”
For everyday Canadians, the registry offers insights into how AI might already be affecting their interactions with government. Projects range from chatbots answering basic queries at Service Canada to more sophisticated systems analyzing satellite imagery to monitor environmental compliance.
“I’ve noticed more automated systems when dealing with government services recently,” said Pierre Tremblay, a retired public servant I met near Parliament Hill. “It’s reassuring to know there’s at least some transparency about what’s happening behind the scenes.”
The registry will be updated quarterly, with departments required to report new projects within 30 days of implementation. A feedback mechanism allows Canadians to submit questions or concerns about specific initiatives.
As Ottawa’s chilly November winds swept down Sparks Street yesterday, I couldn’t help reflecting on how this registry represents both technological progress and democratic oversight converging in our nation’s capital – a balancing act that will require vigilance from both government and citizens as AI increasingly shapes our public services.
