The Canadian Human Rights Commission is urging the federal government to actively advance human rights law, rather than merely comply with it, during the rollout of the new "AI for All" strategy. The commission warned that without deliberate safeguards, artificial intelligence systems could reinforce systemic discrimination and exclusion across public services.
Building accessibility into AI design
The commission called for the advancement of accessibility, gender equality, and substantive equality in a statement responding to the government's announcement. It emphasized that diverse communities, including Indigenous, Black, and racialized groups, people with disabilities, and women, must be properly represented in the data used to develop and train these systems.
"As the government of Canada implements its new AI strategy, accessibility must be built in by design, not added as an afterthought," said Christopher T. Sutton, accessibility commissioner. He added that the lived experiences of people with disabilities must help shape how these technologies are designed, deployed, and governed to remove barriers rather than create them.
Demands for strict oversight and evaluations
The commission noted that while AI could improve medical care access and accelerate scientific research, it carries significant risks if trained on information that enforces existing inequalities. The current strategy commits to an equitable approach adhering to Accessible Canada Act principles, integrating Gender-Based Analysis Plus, and addressing the fundamental human right to privacy.
To prevent harm, the commission called for strict supervision, transparent regulatory alignment, and human rights impact evaluations prior to deploying AI in areas like employment, housing, health care, policing, and justice. Officials also urged the government to consider environmental justice, the community impacts of large-scale AI infrastructure, and potential job losses.
Protecting workers and ensuring accountability
"As we integrate AI across public and private sector systems and workplaces, we must ensure these technologies do not replicate or deepen existing systemic inequalities for women, in all of their diversity," said Lori Straznicky, pay equity commissioner. She noted that transparent design and inclusive data practices, paired with ongoing oversight, are essential to building systems that benefit all workers.
Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, the commission's chief commissioner, emphasized the need for proactive measures. "We cannot wait to discover harms after the fact-strong oversight, proactive safeguards, and clear accountability are essential," she said. "Where harm from AI systems does occur, people must have access to effective redress mechanisms."
Why this matters for government workers
Public sector employees involved in procurement, policy development, or service delivery will face increased scrutiny regarding AI deployments. Officials must ensure that any new system undergoes human rights impact evaluations and includes diverse data representation before rollout. Understanding these compliance requirements is critical for those managing AI for Government initiatives, as failure to embed these safeguards could lead to systemic discrimination claims and delayed project approvals.
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