Source: Global News
The federal government is preparing to launch a public registry that will keep Canadians informed about how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used across government departments and agencies. Officials say the registry will not only improve transparency but also help the government itself track its expanding portfolio of AI projects.
Ottawa Wants Canadians to See Its AI Moves
AI is no longer confined to pilot projects. Departments have been experimenting with tools ranging from translation systems to crop prediction models. But until now, there has been no complete list of where and how AI is deployed.
Speaking to media, government officials acknowledged that the lack of a central record makes it difficult to measure progress or share best practices. The registry aims to solve that gap.
AI Already at Work in Everyday Government
AI is quietly supporting daily government work. Fisheries and Oceans Canada uses it to locate lost fishing gear. Agriculture Canada processes satellite data to predict crop yields. Transport Canada relies on AI to screen high-risk air cargo.
Departments have been launching projects independently. That patchwork approach is changing under a new AI strategy introduced earlier this year, which emphasizes coordination, efficiency, and knowledge-sharing.
Politics Driving the Push for Efficiency
AI also ties into the broader political agenda. Prime Minister Mark Carney campaigned on promises to make the public service more efficient through new technologies. At the same time, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has asked departments to identify program spending cuts of 15 percent by 2028-29.
In August, the government signed an agreement with Canadian AI company Cohere to explore areas where AI could improve operations. Officials stress that AI is only one tool among many for efficiency, but it is a growing priority.
Central Hub to End Duplication
The government’s AI strategy emphasizes creating a central hub to support projects and avoid duplication. An early test of this approach came through a partnership between the Treasury Board and the Translation Bureau. Together, they developed an automated translation tool for low-risk and low-value documents.
That system is already available within Public Services and Procurement Canada and will soon be rolled out across more departments. Officials say it was an obvious choice since nearly all public servants require translation services at some point.
The hub model is designed to prevent several departments from working separately on similar tools. Instead, the goal is to build solutions once and scale them across government.
AI Projects Now Spreading Everywhere
Officials note that AI use is expanding rapidly. What was once a handful of projects across government is now dozens of initiatives in nearly every medium and large department. This shift underscores the need for a mature, coordinated approach.
Transparency is also a driving factor. The AI strategy commits to establishing a public registry as a way to reassure Canadians and maintain accountability.
What Will the Registry Actually Show?
The registry is still under development, with no timeline yet for launch. Officials say part of the challenge lies in deciding which information should be included.
For instance, casual use of AI writing assistants like Copilot by individual analysts may not be listed. However, any formal systems or projects with AI embedded in them will be captured. The idea is to balance transparency for the public with practical tracking for internal purposes.
Past Attempts Already Mapped Hundreds of Cases
Attempts to document AI in government are not entirely new. Independent researchers have already identified hundreds of examples. Internal briefing notes also describe AI applications ranging from automated ministerial correspondence to facial recognition log-ins for Canada Revenue Agency accounts.
Other departments are experimenting with generative AI to assist staff with writing tasks or summarizing information in secure, controlled environments. The Finance Department has even created a tool to streamline tariff consultations and draft responses for analysts.
Registry Seen as Turning Point for Ottawa
Officials stress that AI is not a silver bullet for efficiency but a powerful support tool. The upcoming registry is expected to strengthen public trust and provide a clearer picture of how technology is reshaping the federal government.
By tracking projects, sharing tools, and cutting duplication, the registry will mark a turning point in how Ottawa manages its growing reliance on AI.
