The government of New Brunswick has removed a promotional advertisement created using artificial intelligence after facing significant criticism from the province's arts community. The ad, which was promoting provincial liquor stores, was pulled on December 5, 2025.
Arts Community Voices Strong Opposition
Local artists and creative professionals led the backlash against the government's decision to use AI-generated imagery in an official advertising campaign. They argued that the move undermined the value of human artists and illustrators within New Brunswick, especially when public funds were being used. The community expressed frustration that the provincial government chose an AI tool over hiring local talent for the project.
Government's Swift Response to Criticism
Faced with mounting public pressure, officials decided to withdraw the advertisement. While the government has not released a detailed statement on the specific reasons for using AI in the first instance, the swift removal signals a responsiveness to the concerns raised. The ad featured imagery of a New Brunswick liquor store in the town of St. Andrews, but the visual components were not created by a human designer.
Broader Implications for AI and Creative Work
This incident in New Brunswick is part of a larger, national conversation about the ethical and economic impact of artificial intelligence on creative sectors. As AI image-generation tools become more accessible, governments and corporations are increasingly faced with decisions that pit cost and efficiency against supporting local artistic economies. The strong reaction from the arts community in New Brunswick serves as a clear example of the pushback that can occur when AI is perceived to replace human creative jobs.
The controversy also raises questions about procurement policies for government communications. It highlights the need for clear guidelines on when and how AI-generated content is appropriate for public-facing materials, particularly when it affects industries that contribute to the cultural fabric of a province.