In the face of the developing situation with emerging technologies, the federal government and the Parliament of Canada launch a series of study and consultation in which researchers from the Centre for Law, Technology and Society (CLTS) at the University of Ottawa took part to help shape upcoming policies. In addition, researchers continued to engage with the media to help unpack complex issues. Among all these policy contributions were several appearances before parliamentary committees in the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada.
Faculty member Dr. Teresa Scassa appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology to discuss the opportunities, risks, and regulation of artificial intelligence in Canada’s strategic industries. Dr. Teresa Scassa also appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights (RIDR) as part of its study on the impact of artificial intelligence on human rights and economic security in Canada, with particular attention to vulnerable groups and the international human right to work.
Faculty member Dr. Michael Geist also appeared before multiple parliamentary committees this spring, contributing expert perspectives on technology law, digital regulation, and public policy. His recent appearances included testimony before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security regarding Bill C-22 and lawful access, the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology on AI chatbots and social media restrictions for kids, the Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications on emerging AI policy challenges, and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology on Canada’s AI policy priorities.
In addition, Associate member Dr. Emily Laidlaw appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to discuss the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI), notably regarding deepfakes and chatbots.
Similarly, Professors Kristen Thomasen,Katie Szilagyi and Suzie Dunn, Associate members at CLTS, appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights to further examine the impact of artificial intelligence on human rights and economic security in Canada.
These appearances reflect the continued contribution of the Centre for Law, Technology and Society’s researchers to public debates and policymaking processes at the national and international levels, shaping policy conversations on emerging technologies, and their societal impacts.