Current position
Canada does not currently have a standalone, comprehensive artificial intelligence law in force.
Instead, AI is regulated through a combination of existing legal frameworks, sectoral regulations, and policy instruments that indirectly govern the development and use of AI systems.
For example, private-sector use of AI involving personal data is primarily regulated under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which sets rules for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information.
Anti-discrimination risks arising from automated decision-making may also be addressed under the Canadian Human Rights Act and related provincial human rights statutes.
In the public sector, federal agencies deploying automated decision-making systems must comply with the Directive on Automated Decision-Making, which requires algorithmic impact assessments and transparency measures.
Additionally, the government has introduced non-binding governance initiatives such as the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems to encourage responsible AI development.
Canada has also proposed dedicated AI legislation through the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, although this legislation has not yet been enacted.
Together, these frameworks form the current regulatory landscape governing AI in Canada.