For immediate release
May 25, 2023
VICTORIA, B.C. – The BC Green Caucus is calling on the BC NDP to establish an all-party task force on artificial intelligence (AI) to create a common understanding among MLAs and ensure ongoing consultation with academia, industry, the public sector, and the public.
“Today’s news of the Canadian Privacy Commissioner investigating ChatGPT reinforces that AI may pose a real threat and the legislative assembly needs to understand how it may impact our society,” said Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.
“In the last few months, we’ve seen a steady flow of new AI tools enter the market. The province needs to get ahead by establishing an ethical framework for AI, and the truth is we’re already far behind.
“With the rapid introduction of AI in everyday activities including the internet, it has the potential to dramatically change society and our economy, with impacts to employment, privacy, job displacement, and misuse of technology.
“History shows that the BC Legislative Assembly is reactive and lacks a capacity to look ahead. The legislature’s understanding of AI, its impacts on all aspects of our lives, and the necessary legislative and regulatory measures need to be in place to ensure people’s privacy and the protection of their personal information.”
The BC Green Caucus is urging Premier Eby to immediately establish an all-party task force on AI to ensure that the provincial government is taking the necessary steps to protect the public interest, and the public, as we navigate the rapid transformations that AI is already creating.
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Media contact
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | jojo.beattie@leg.bc.ca