Dr. Mary Wells, the Dean of Waterloo Engineering, has been named to a 26-member task force of prominent leaders in technology, business and academia to help shape Canada’s strategy on artificial intelligence (AI).
Evan Solomon, the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation for the federal Liberal government, announced the launch of the influential group at an event today in Toronto, stressing there is an urgent need to refresh the country’s national AI strategy.
“The Government of Canada is moving quickly toward our vision for AI and digital sovereignty,” Solomon said in a media release.“The AI Strategy Task Force and the ideas gathered through our national sprint will generate bold, pragmatic and actionable recommendations to guide Canada’s next AI strategy.
“This strategy will accelerate the development of nation-building AI and data infrastructure, drive economy-wide adoption and help build the strongest economy in the G7.”
Other members of the task force, which is expected to report back to Solomon in November after a 30-day consultation period, include Inovia Capital partner Patrick Pichette, Cohere chief artificial intelligence (AI) officer Joelle Pineau, and Build Canada founder Dan Debow.
The government is seeking advice in a number of AI-related areas, including research and talent, commercialization, building infrastructure, and security and capacity.
Experts named to the task force will consult with people in their own networks to help provide insights and recommendations. Wells is part of a three-member group within the task force that will focus on how to build safe AI systems and public trust.