The Canadian federal government has taken a significant step toward transparency in its use of emerging technology by publicly launching an artificial intelligence register. This new tool provides citizens with a clear view of how AI is being implemented across various government departments and agencies.
What the AI Register Reveals
The newly established register documents more than 400 current or planned AI systems being utilized across 42 different government institutions. This comprehensive inventory represents one of the most detailed public disclosures of government AI use globally.
Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali emphasized the importance of this initiative in a news release issued in late November 2025. "The AI Register is an important step in building public trust and ensuring the responsible use of AI across the federal public service," Ali stated.
Practical Applications of Government AI
The register provides specific details about how different departments are leveraging artificial intelligence technology. Each entry describes the AI system's purpose, intended use, and development source—whether built internally or by external vendors.
One notable example comes from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, which uses computer models to identify different insect species from images taken from sticky traps. This application helps populate an online dashboard that tracks biodiversity across the country.
Another innovative use case involves Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which is piloting a project that flags when boats and other watercraft appear on camera being towed across the border. This AI system aims to study the movement of invasive aquatic species that could threaten Canadian ecosystems.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has implemented a chatbot named Polly that helps officers quickly retrieve information from official policy manuals, streamlining access to critical operational guidelines.
Broader AI Strategy and Implications
This register forms a key component of the federal AI strategy that took effect earlier in 2025 and will guide the government's expansion of artificial intelligence applications through 2027. The Treasury Board notes that the register will help departments identify opportunities to work more efficiently, reduce duplication, and support better planning by providing "a clearer view of AI activity across government."
The push for AI adoption has been a priority for Prime Minister Mark Carney since the campaign trail, though it has sparked concerns among some public servants about the technology's potential disruptive impact on jobs and traditional workflows.
In July 2025, the government announced a partnership with Canadian AI firm Cohere to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption in the public service. The recently approved 2025 budget, which passed by a slim margin earlier this month, identifies AI as a key tool in government efforts to increase productivity while trimming the size of the public service.
The creation of this public register represents a balancing act—harnessing AI's potential for efficiency while addressing transparency concerns and maintaining public trust in how these powerful technologies are deployed within government operations.
