Eight organizations, including Mastercard, Salesforce, and Lenovo, have pledged to support the responsible development and management of advanced generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems by joining Canada’s Voluntary Code of Conduct.
Announced by François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, the new signatories bring the total number of organizations committed to the code to 30. The code aims to ensure the safe and ethical development of AI technologies, a priority given the rapid advancements and their widespread societal impact.
“Artificial intelligence is one of the greatest technological transformations of our age,” said Champagne. “Our government is committed to providing Canadians and Canadian businesses with the tools they need to thrive in this digital era. In undertaking the Voluntary Code of Conduct, leading Canadian organizations continue to adopt responsible measures for advanced generative AI systems that will help build safety and trust well into the future as the technology grows.”
The eight new organizations
The organizations newly committed to the code include:
- Alloprof
- Kyndryl
- Lenovo
- Levio
- MaRS Discovery District
- Mastercard
- Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ)
- Salesforce
These entities join an existing group of 22 signatories, all dedicated to fostering a robust and responsible AI ecosystem in Canada. This commitment comes as part of broader efforts, both domestic and international, to establish common standards and safeguards for generative AI systems. The code itself is based on extensive stakeholder consultation and feedback, aimed at developing a practical and ethical framework for AI operations.
‘Profound opportunities’
Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada, emphasized the importance of trust in AI.
“Generative AI and traditional AI will unlock profound opportunities to enable solutions that benefit everyone. But, for this innovation to be sustainable and inclusive, people will need to trust it,” aid Krstic. “And that starts with foundational practices that respect and protect individual rights and communities.”
Nadine Lindsay, President and CEO of OACIQ, highlighted the benefits already seen in their operations.
“We’ve seen how exploring and using artificial intelligence as a tool to support the real estate brokerage regulatory framework and its unique mission of protecting the public is paying off.”
Alison Nankivell, CEO of MaRS Discovery District, noted the significance of the code for the AI community: “The Government of Canada’s Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems is a significant step forward for the entire AI community and a strong commitment to AI stewardship.”
Eric Leob, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs at Salesforce, reflected on the collaborative effort needed to advance AI: “AI has the potential to enhance productivity and reshape entire industries for the benefit of humanity. Building that future will take a partnership between regulators, businesses, and civil society.”
Voluntary code
The Government of Canada has been proactive in its approach to AI regulation. The Voluntary Code of Conduct, launched in 2023, complements the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) introduced in June 2022. AIDA focuses on promoting responsible AI design, development, and use, particularly in high-impact systems affecting health, safety, and human rights.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the government has committed $2.4 billion in Budget 2024 to secure Canada’s AI advantage. This includes investments in computing infrastructure, accelerating responsible AI adoption, and providing skills training for workers.
The commitment by these organizations underscores a collective effort to ensure AI technologies evolve safely and ethically, aligning with Canada’s vision for a secure and innovative digital future.