Canadian technology companies including BlackBerry, OpenText and Coveo have signed Canada’s new voluntary code of conduct for generative AI, but not everyone is keen to support the voluntary code.
Taking influence from the voluntary code introduced across
the US in July - which included signatures from companies including Google and Amazon - Global Affairs Canada’s trade commissioner for investment financial services and artificial intelligence
Mark Pepin remarked that the code identifies measures that organizations are encouraged to apply when developing and managing general-purpose generative AI systems.
Mark also noted that the Canadian government has “already taken significant measures” to ensure “AI technology evolves responsibly and safely”, such as the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), which was introduced as part of Bill C-27 in June 2022.
“This code is a critical bridge between now and when that legislation would be coming into force,” he continued. “As we embark on this journey, let's embrace these principles and work collaboratively, with organizations like CIFAR, AMII, Mila, and Vector, to ensure the responsible development and management of AI systems, making Canada a global leader in AI safety and innovation.”
However, Shopify’s CEO Tobias Lütke took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his concerns regarding the future of AI in Canada, saying: “Canadian government is announcing a code of conduct on AI today, another case of EFRAID,” a reference to ‘Existential Fatalistic Risk from AI Delusion’ disease.
“I won’t support it,” he added. “We don’t need more referees in Canada. We need more builders. Let other countries regulate while we take the more courageous path and say ‘come build here’.”
Do you have a question about angel investing? Get in touch with Valhalla Private Capital via our
contact page.