Nova Scotia builds dedicated AI team to integrate tools into government operations
Nova Scotia will hire five people to oversee the integration of AI into provincial government work, marking a shift from experimental use toward structured adoption across departments. The team will develop protocols for staff and identify tools that could improve productivity, according to Jennifer LaPlante, deputy minister of cybersecurity and digital solutions.
The province has allocated C$4.4 million for AI capabilities in the current fiscal year. The budget covers software licences and allows room for the team to expand.
What the team will do
The group will evaluate systems such as Microsoft Copilot for routine tasks like drafting documents and summarising information. They will also help establish rules for responsible AI use across government.
Officials said existing policies already govern some AI meeting tools and virtual assistants. A broader responsible-use policy is still under development.
Public-facing AI already in use
Nova Scotia launched an AI chatbot called Scottie to answer public questions about government services. The tool retrieves information from existing government sources rather than generating new content, limiting potential risks while expanding AI availability to the public.
Why this matters for operations teams
Government operations staff typically manage workflows, document processing, and service delivery. Tools like Copilot can automate routine work, but they require clear protocols and oversight to function safely at scale.
The structured approach-dedicated staff, formal policies, and budget allocation-differs from departments experimenting with AI informally. It signals that public sector operations are moving toward standardised AI practices.
For operations professionals managing similar transitions, Nova Scotia's model shows how to balance innovation with security and control. Learn more about AI Productivity Courses or explore AI for Government resources.
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