January 21, 2026 — The Public Consultation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being launched today at the initiative of a collaborative coalition of civil society organizations. This initiative follows concerns raised about the consultation process that accompanied the development of the national AI strategy presented by the federal government in October 2025.
In particular, many civil society stakeholders pointed out that the government task force established to guide the strategy was disproportionately composed of industry representatives, while participants with the expertise to address the broader social, ethical, and political implications of AI were underrepresented. In addition, the related public consultation allowed only 30 days for the submission of comments, thereby limiting the participation of individuals and communities most affected by AI. Moreover, the consultation relied on a survey largely focused on the economic impacts of artificial intelligence, raising concerns about the analytical approach adopted—one that risks downplaying or overlooking the broader social, ethical, and organizational impacts emphasized by civil society.
These concerns were outlined in an open letter signed by more than 160 civil society organizations and experts in October 2025, including Professor Karine Gentelet, Scientific Director for Civil Society Collaboration at Obvia. In response to the government’s “national sprint,” the signatories called for a more inclusive and in-depth process of public reflection on AI in Canada.
Launched today, the Public Consultation on Artificial Intelligence aims to provide a complementary space for dialogue and participation for all interested individuals and organizations, including public-interest groups, academic institutions, affected communities, and the general public, to weigh in on how the adoption and use of AI should be governed in Canada. Designed and led by civil society, the initiative seeks to foster broad and diverse participation, ranging from local, community-based discussions on the everyday impacts of AI to in-depth expert contributions. The consultation website also offers comprehensive resources and support tools for those wishing to deepen their understanding of AI’s implications, as well as community facilitation guides to help groups prepare collective submissions.
“We hope this consultation process will demonstrate that social innovation in AI can go hand in hand with values of inclusion and social justice. Integrating the perspectives of citizens—and, more broadly, of civil society—into AI governance is essential to ensuring that, in Canada, we develop AI systems that truly meet the needs of the population in all its diversity.”
— Karine Gentelet, Full Professor, Université du Québec en Outaouais, and Scientific Director for Civil Society Collaboration at Obvia
All submissions will be made public on the consultation website, shared with the government, and used to support other civil society initiatives aimed at developing a comprehensive and robust response to the challenges posed by AI.
The Public Consultation will accept submissions until March 15, 2026.
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