Quebec’s AI Ecosystem Mobilizes to Reaffirm Its Commitment to Responsible AI: Obvia Launches UNESCO’s RAM Process
The Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie has mandated Obvia and its Scientific Director for Governance and International Collaboration, Professor Marc-Antoine Dilhac, to lead the implementation in Quebec of UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM).
The RAM methodology is a globally recognized tool for structuring AI governance. It helps identify the strengths, challenges and strategic needs of an ecosystem in order to advance public policies aligned with the principles of responsible AI.
Quebec is among the first subnational governments to apply this methodology, thereby strengthening its international leadership in the responsible governance of digital technologies while responding to growing societal expectations regarding transparency and the protection of rights.
Launching a Participatory and Structuring Process
The launch of this initiative marks the beginning of a collective process that will mobilize stakeholders across Quebec to establish a comprehensive assessment of AI governance. The work will take place over several months and will include targeted consultations, followed by the publication of the final report by UNESCO in early fall.
A Diverse and Representative Steering Committee
A steering committee bringing together representatives from the public service, academia, industry and civil society will support Obvia and the Quebec government throughout the process. The committee will play a key role in providing strategic oversight, identifying priorities and validating the various stages of the RAM methodology.
Membres du comité
- Anne Nguyen (Conseil de l’innovation du Québec)
- Carole Jabet (Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé)
- Luc Belleau (Institut de la statistique du Québec)
- Luc Bégin (Commission de l'éthique en science et en technologie)
- Magda Fusaro (Commission canadienne pour l’UNESCO)
- Marc-Antoine Dilhac (Université de Montréal et Obvia)
- Marie-Julie Desrochers (Coalition pour la diversité des expressions culturelles)
- Marjorick Foisy (Centech)
- Philippe Duguay (Ministère de l’Économie, de l’innovation et de l’Énergie)
- Réjean Roy (IVADO)
- Rheia Khalaf (Mila)
- Sandra Melançon (Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie)
- Sébastien Rivard (Ministère de la Cybersécurité et du Numérique du Québec)
- Sophie Fallaha (CEIMIA)
- Véronique Tremblay (Videns)
- Véronique Guèvremont (Université Laval)
- Vincent Gautrais (Université de Montréal)
Internationally Recognized Expertise
The mandate will be led by Professor Marc-Antoine Dilhac, a member of UNESCO’s AI Ethics Experts Without Borders network and a leading figure in AI ethics in Quebec and internationally.
As the initiator of the Montreal Declaration for a Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence, a collective initiative launched across Quebec in 2017, he has contributed to guiding the development of the AI research ecosystem toward objectives of social justice, collective well-being and democratic legitimacy.
Together with Marc-Antoine Dilhac, Obvia has collaborated with the Government of Quebec and UNESCO since the early stages of discussions surrounding the development of an international standard on AI ethics. Obvia notably supported the Government of Quebec in the preparatory work leading to the adoption of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in 2021. In 2020, Marc-Antoine Dilhac also led the international citizen deliberation process as part of UNESCO’s consultation on this draft Recommendation on AI ethics, through Algora Lab, in collaboration with Mila and Obvia.
Structuring Outcomes for the Future
The work will help identify current capacities and priority actions to strengthen AI governance in Quebec. It will contribute to shaping future public policies on responsible innovation and enhance Quebec’s international visibility and leadership.
Launch Event
The official launch of Quebec’s implementation of the RAM methodology took place on February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in the Paul-Gérin-Lajoie Room at the Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie, 525 René-Lévesque Boulevard East, Quebec City.
The event brought together members of the steering committee, UNESCO representatives, process coordinators and invited stakeholders. The inaugural session included official remarks, a presentation of the methodological framework and upcoming stages of the process, followed by a networking lunch.
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Consultation of Quebec Stakeholders as Part of UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) Process
The Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), currently being implemented in Quebec since March 2026, is a globally recognized tool for structuring AI governance. At the heart of this process are stakeholder consultations.