Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy has advanced her motion to address the use of artificial intelligence by the provincial government.
The motion reads that the government of Ontario should adopt methods to assess risks and judge the adoption and ethical use of AI in government, while also developing security measures. Introduced April 10, the motion advanced with unanimous agreement from all parties May 10.
The MPP expressed appreciation to her colleagues and opposition NDP and Liberals for the support of the private members’ motion.
Gallagher Murphy said in a news release it is “an outstanding agreement that Ontario is setting the example for the rest of Canada for the responsible use of AI in government.”
There is currently no law at any level of Canadian government regarding responsible use of AI in government, Gallagher Murphy said. However, the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery has published a Trustworthy AI Framework.
Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery Todd McCarthy thanked Gallagher Murphy for her efforts on the matter.
“Under the leadership of Premier (Doug) Ford, we are leading by example in unlocking the power of artificial intelligence by taking these important first steps in guiding the government’s responsible use of this revolutionary new technology,” McCarthy said in a news release.
The private members' motion does not have any legislation attached at present, but stands to direct the provincial government.
Many different organizations in the technology sector have spoken out in support.
Southlake Regional Health Centre vice-president of digital health and diagnosis Amir Soheili and chief information officer Sam Fielding said it is an excellent step.
“It is crucial government recognize the transformative potential of AI in health care, while continuing to guard against risk and uphold the ethical use of AI in all forms,” they said in a news release. “We look forward to seeing the Ontario’s continued leadership and commitment to advancing AI in health care.”
"Ontarians will be the beneficiaries of this evening's cross-partisan vote," Gallagher Murphy said on social media.
