James Moore: Canada is a getting a fresh start on artificial intelligence. Let's not waste it.
James Moore is a former federal cabinet minister under prime minister Stephen Harper, and a columnist for CTVNews.ca.
The recent federal election provided Canada with a much needed reset on the debate on artificial intelligence (AI), and we should all be thankful for it.
There is a new member of Parliament who is the new minister for the file: Evan Solomon. Thoughtful and studious, the new Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation — the first we have had — provides an opportunity for a fresh start on the file.
Evan Solomon, AI
Evan Solomon fist bumps a guest as he heads to be sworn-in as Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby)
Further, all the opposition critics of the AI file from the last parliament — Conservative MP Ryan Williams; Bloc Québécois MP René Villemure; and NDP MP Brian Masse — were all defeated on election day in their respective ridings.
This dynamic of personal change, coupled with some good faith on policy development, should give a clear opportunity for the government to re-engage the AI issue with gusto.
To start, I think it would be a mistake for the government to simply re-introduce the old Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) (Bill C-27) from the previous parliament. A great deal was exposed about the imperfections, concerns of overreach, governance and questionable spending in the debates around AIDA after its introduction in April of 2023 that should signal the government to walk away from the previous AI policy efforts.
There are six areas of AI policy challenges, and they are interconnected and complex.
Public safety
First, is the need to balance public safety and innovation. Complimenting and supporting a thriving AI ecosystem (and the increasingly mature hubs in Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal) while protecting people and firms from the risks of unregulated AI systems is a difficult challenge. The risk of overregulating is real and could result in a flight of startups. But at the same time, there will be public collapse of the tolerance and integration of AI into our lives if the harms of surveillance, disinformation and bias are not addressed.
Privacy
The second issue that needs consideration is the need to address data privacy and consent. AI systems consumed massive datasets which raises concerns about the protection of data and the informed consent of the public for the use of that data — particularly when it comes to health, family, and biometric data. Consent loopholes and data scraping are constant challenges and need to be mitigated in the public interest. And, of course, these protections need to be as borderless as we can possibly secure.
Accountability
The third issue to be addressed must be the public sector use of AI data and systems. It is reported that agencies are increasingly using AI to try to drive efficiency, but there are credible concerns that they are doing so without adequate public facing accountability or transparency.
This needs to be fixed. Any algorithmic decision making by the government needs to be disclosed and the principles of the Privacy Act need to be modernized and ported into any use of AI technology.
Jobs
Fourth, the impact of labour displacement could trigger a torrent of anxiety and disruption that is greater than we imagine. The impact on jobs and skills development will be substantial and we need to gauge — with the provinces and territories — how best to reskill and retrain workforces who may find their lives sideswiped by AI implementation.
Public risk
Fifth, the government must apply a national security lens to the AI opportunity/challenge. One of the dominant concerns about AI technology is the lack of accountability given the possible risks that may cause harm to individuals when wrong decisions are made autonomously.
For example, there is no common description in law that agreed to or enforced with respect to using AI-based lethal robotic systems for selecting targets with possible lethal force. There is a clear need for defence and intelligence policies to be modernized and continually scrutinized in collaboration with our allies.
Competition
And sixth, as Canada marches forward with our AI policy that serves Canada and our needs, we need to consider where global standards are headed in the E.U. and U.S. and align our interests accordingly. We must be able to compete internationally, contribute to emerging global norms on AI ethics, governance and safety and avoid regulatory fragmentation that leaves us at a disadvantage with our competitors.
In sum, AI presents a complex, fast-evolving set of policy challenges that touch nearly every aspect of society. Policymakers must be agile, principled, and ambitious in the coming Parliament.
AI is reshaping economies, transforming workplaces, and redefining our economic boundaries. The opportunities are incredible and the policy challenges associated with the opportunities demand the best efforts our leaders to get it right.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
26 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Northstar Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial and Operating Results
CALGARY, AB , May 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Northstar Clean Technologies Inc. (TSXV: ROOF) (OTCQB: ROOOF) (" Northstar" or the " Company") is pleased to announce our financial and operating results for the three-month period ended March 31 , 2025. Selected financial and operational information is set out below and should be read in conjunction with the Company's March 31, 2025 Condensed Interim Financial Statements and the related Management's Discussion and Analysis, which are available for review at or the Company's website at First Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Highlights The first quarter of 2025 witnessed a number of significant developments and achievements, together with a few key funding achievements subsequent to the quarter-end, namely: Operational The Company successfully completed construction efforts of the Empower Calgary Facility; and Following the successful completion of construction, the Company began the important task of commissioning the Empower Calgary Facility. The Company's asphalt shingle reprocessing facilities are broadly broken into two main phases: (1) feedstock preparation and mechanical separation of aggregate, and (2) hydrocarbon treatment and processing. The Company successfully completed all commissioning efforts of the first phase and now continues to commission the second phase. Once those efforts are completed, the Empower Calgary Facility will be turned over to operations, currently scheduled for mid-year 2025. Plant Expansions - significant steps continued towards expansion efforts of the Company's business model, including: Empower Hamilton Facility – the Company executed a letter of intent with YORK1 Environmental Waste Solutions Ltd. to supply up to 10,000 tonnes of waste roofing shingles with an understanding to increase supply volumes through time. Execution of supply agreements represents a critical step in establishing a working facility. This first supply agreement followed closely on the announcement in late 2024 of the Company signing a letter of intent with the Great Lakes Port Management Inc., a subsidiary of the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, for a long-term lease for an industrial zoned property located in Hamilton, Ontario as the site for the Company's planned facility in southwestern Ontario ; US Expansion – the Company continues to expend time and energy in the selection of a suitable site for our inaugural reprocessing facility in the United States . As has been previously communicated by the Company, selection criteria have focused on areas that represent an operational fit with the Company's strategic financial partner, TAMKO Building Products Inc.; and Empower Delta Facility – during the quarter, the Company successfully secured a fifteen-year lease at its existing Delta, British Columbia location. This paves the way to retro-fit the existing pilot facility at this location to a full-scale commercial facility. The site currently holds all necessary regulatory approvals and permits for light industrial operations, offering a future expansion opportunity with reduced timelines and costs associated with permitting and site development. Liquidity – commensurate with execution of the business plan, the Company successfully received proceeds under previously negotiated funding agreements, consisting of: $3.9 million from Emissions Reduction Alberta, subsequent to the quarter-end, upon completion of Milestone 2, which includes among other items, all major processing units installed and electrified and substantial completion as defined in the Builder's Lien Act; $617 thousand final draw subsequent to the quarter-end under the Business Development Bank $8.75 million non-revolving senior secured project loan facility; and $248 thousand received during the quarter from the exercise of existing stock options and warrants. Year-to-date, the Company has received $392 thousand from the exercise of stock options and warrants. Outstanding common shares as of May 29, 2025 totaled 137,051,985. Financial Results (CAD$, except per share amounts and common shares outstanding) Three Months Ended Mar. 31 FINANCIAL RESULTS 2025 2024 Loss and comprehensive loss 2,949,917 1,581,578 Per share - basic and diluted 0.02 0.01 Net cash flow used in operating activities 2,338,652 1,201,168 Per share - basic and diluted 0.02 0.01 Capital expenditures Capital expenditures 4,080,489 1,848,278 Liquidity & Capitalization Working capital (deficit) surplus (426,551) 3,440,770 7.95% senior secured non-revolving loan (1) 8,132,302 - Convertible debentures - principal amount (2) 9,505,000 5,700,000 Royalty debenture (3) 14,773,500 - Common shares outstanding Weighted average - basic and diluted 132,942,452 126,710,381 Outstanding, end of period 134,306,216 126,710,381 (1) As at March 31, 2025, the Company had drawn $8,132,302 from the BDC Financing, with $617,698 remaining undrawn. See Note 7 in the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements as at March 31, 2025. (2) Since December 2022, the Company has entered into various financing arrangements through the issuance of convertible debentures in tranches, raising a total of $10,405,000 at interest rates varying between 10% and 12.5%. As at March 31, 2025, principal amounts totalling $9,505,000 remain outstanding, reflecting $900,000 of proceeds received in exchange for conversion into common shares. See Note 8 in the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements as at March 31, 2025. (3) On September 13, 2024 the Company completed an agreement with CVW CleanTech Inc. ("CVW") pursuant to which CVW provided the Company with $14,000,000 in funding through a five-year 10.0% second secured convertible debenture (the "Royalty Debenture") convertible into revenue royalties on two future facilities. Balance includes the increase in fair value since inception. See Note 9 in the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements as at March 31, 2025. About Northstar Northstar is a Canadian waste to value technology company focused on the sustainable recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles. Northstar developed and owns a proprietary design process for taking discarded asphalt shingles, otherwise destined for already over-crowded landfills, and extracts the liquid asphalt for use in new hot mix asphalt shingle manufacturing and asphalt flat roof systems while also extracting aggregate and fiber for use in construction products and other industrial applications. Focused on the circular economy, Northstar plans to reprocess used or defective asphalt shingle waste back into its three primary components for reuse/resale with its first commercial scale up facility in Calgary, Alberta . As an emerging innovator in sustainable processing, Northstar's mission aims at leading the recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles in North America that would otherwise be sent to landfill addressing numerous stakeholder objectives. U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on For further information about Northstar, please visit On Behalf of the Board of Directors, President & CEO, Director Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. This press release may contain forward–looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which forward–looking information reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "aim", "objective" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements concerning: (i) Northstar's plans to reprocess used shingles into their component parts in the inaugural commercial facility in Calgary ; (ii) operations to commence mid-year 2025; (iii) the ability of the Company to expand into other regions, namely Hamilton, Ontario and the United States ; and (iv) Northstar's ability to become a leader in the recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles in North America . Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including: risks related to factors beyond the control of the Company; inability of the Company to execute on its business plans; the Company may require additional financing which may not be obtainable or on favourable terms; economic uncertainty; and the risks and uncertainties which are more fully described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile on SEDAR+. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward–looking information whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or aimed. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended and such changes could be material. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Globe and Mail
26 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
3 American Growth Giants to Invest in for the Long Haul
Many of the best growth stocks in the world are based out of the U.S. This is the land of both opportunity and innovation. Warren Buffett has always been bullish on betting on the U.S. because he's a big believer in American business. If you want to follow suit and invest in some of the country's best growth stocks, there are three excellent names that I don't think you can go wrong with in the long term: Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), and Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW). These three stocks are growth beasts, and they still have plenty more room to run over the long haul. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Learn More » Nvidia Chipmaking giant Nvidia, one of the most valuable companies in the world, is based out of Santa Clara, California. Its history goes back more than 30 years to 1993. One of the remarkable features of this business is that it has had only one CEO, Jensen Huang, who co-founded the company. That's a good sign of continuity and underscores just how stable the business has been over the years. In its most recent fiscal year, which ended on Jan. 26, the company reported $130 billion in revenue, which was more than double the $61 billion it posted a year earlier, as demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) chips remains robust. But what impresses me most is just how incredible its profit margins are: typically well north of 50%. Nvidia is based in the U.S. but it isn't immune to the effects of tariffs or trade wars, especially with China being a key market for its operations. But with such high profit margins, it's in much better shape than other companies to be able to absorb higher costs and headwinds related to economic uncertainty. That's why this can be a no-brainer growth stock to buy right now. Eli Lilly Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly is another great American growth stock to buy and hold. Founded in 1876, its history goes back nearly 150 years. And for decades, the business has been developing vital medicines for people to help improve their lives. One of the more exciting ones of late has been related to weight loss and obesity. Its GLP-1 drug Tirzepatide resulted in two highly successful products for Eli Lilly: Zepbound for weight loss and Mounjaro for diabetes. Together, those drugs generated more than $6 billion in sales through the first three months of 2025, representing nearly half of the top line, which rose by 45%. What's exciting here is that there is still so much potential for these drugs to generate more growth since they are still in their early stages. Plus, there are studies suggesting that GLP-1 drugs could even help with substance abuse by curbing addictions, which means there may be even more indications that tirzepatide is approved for in the future. And yet, Eli Lilly's business goes beyond just GLP-1, which is why this can be a fantastic growth stock to buy and hold. Tariffs could increase its costs, and a global trade war would affect its bottom line. But it, too, has some solid profit margins at around 22%. Palo Alto Networks Rounding out this list of impressive American growth stocks is Palo Alto Networks, a cybersecurity company founded 20 years ago. Like Nvidia, its headquarters is also in Santa Clara. And as all things related to AI grow, businesses and consumers alike will need to ramp up their cybersecurity. Since the need for cybersecurity is ongoing, the company benefits from a large chunk of its top line being from recurring revenue. Its subscription and support segment generated $1.8 billion in sales for the quarter ended April 30, which accounted for 80% of its top line (product revenue made up the rest). And while overall revenue rose by 15%, the annualized recurring revenue for the company's next-generation security rose by 34%. Palo Alto's profit margin of 15% is light when compared to the other stocks on this list, but that's still a solid percentage of revenue flowing through to its bottom line. And it's a big improvement from just a few years ago when the business was still in the red. Results for the company's fiscal 2025 third quarter (ended April 30) included revenue of $2.3 billion, up from $2 billion a year ago. GAAP net income was unchanged at $300 million for the quarter. Palo Alto has come a long way in recent years, and while it may look like an expensive stock, trading at more than 100 times its trailing earnings, that valuation should improve as it continues to scale up and its margins get even better. While Palo Alto may experience a slowdown in business if a trade war affects spending, its top line relies heavily on software and support services, making it less vulnerable to tariffs than other stocks. For long-term investors, this can be another solid stock to own given the huge opportunities in cybersecurity in the years ahead. Should you invest $1,000 in Nvidia right now? Before you buy stock in Nvidia, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Nvidia wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $651,761!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $826,263!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor 's total average return is978% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to170%for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of May 19, 2025
CBC
37 minutes ago
- CBC
Alberta gov't decries 'baseless, politically motivated' affordable housing report
The Alberta government says it's rejecting the findings of a "baseless, politically motivated" report that gave the province a failing grade on addressing affordable housing. The Report Card on More and Better Housing, released Thursday, gave Alberta a D+ — the worst overall grade for any province in Canada. Though author Mike Moffatt of the University of Ottawa's Missing Middle Initiative praised Edmonton and Calgary for implementing "fantastic reforms," he said the provincial government needs to build more social housing, cut red tape, reform building codes and address climate risks. The province says the report is flawed and the rest of Canada should follow Alberta's lead in implementing policies that deliver "real results." "This is not a report on affordable housing — as it claims to be — but is instead a report by a climate activist group that ignores reality in an effort to push their green agenda," said Amber Edgerton, press secretary for the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services, in an emailed statement. She said the report fails to recognize the importance of affordability, record housing starts in Alberta, and the province's recent building code changes and flood mitigation efforts. Who's behind the report? The Task Force for Housing and Climate, a group of 15 housing policy experts that formed in 2023 to make recommendations for governments, commissioned the report. Former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson and Lisa Raitt, former deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, co-chair the group. The Clean Economy Fund, an Ontario-based charitable foundation that supports climate philanthropy in Canada, funded the report. Who else is criticizing it? The report misses the mark because it's too focused on policies, not results, said Kalen Anderson, CEO of BILD Edmonton Metro, a building and land development industry group. "Alberta is the engine for Canadian housing bar none, and both Edmonton and Calgary are top jurisdictions for efficiency in terms of planning, development timelines, even development charges," she told CBC News. Anderson said there's always more work to do, but Alberta is producing the most housing per capita and maintaining the most affordable rents, amid record population growth. Most conversations Anderson been a part of over the past couple of years, at national, provincial and local levels, were "about trying to describe what Edmonton and Calgary's secret sauce is, and why Alberta is such an outlier in terms of its leadership of housing creation," she said. Who's defending it? Some say the report should be a wake-up call for the provincial government. Naomie Bakana, president of the students' union at the University of Calgary, said too many students are having to choose between safe and affordable housing. The union has heard stories about asbestos in apartments and as many as seven students living together in one room, she said. "What the province needs to do is take these recommendations into consideration," Bakana said. Students can't throw away grades they disagree with, so neither should the government, she said. Janis Irwin, housing critic for the Opposition NDP, said Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon often talks about Alberta leading the country in building more housing, but he's referring to market-rate housing. The government needs to invest in and increase the supply of non-market-rate housing, including permanent supportive housing, Irwin said. She added that that form of housing save lives and, in the long-term, money. Irwin called on all levels of government to work together on the housing issue to maximize progress. Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi echoed the call in a statement, saying all governments "need to step up and do their part to tackle housing affordability." Nadine Chalifoux, chair of the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, said the province could be learning from what other jurisdictions are doing to address the housing crisis, from reforming building codes to building more social housing. "I would hope that they would take that seriously, but it doesn't sound like they are," Chalifoux said.
