1:19 p.m.
Hello advisors. When the invitation to sign an open letter to the
Minister of AI (Nov. 2025?), we chose not to sign this letter as some of
the wording was considered problematic, specifically it seemed to
preclude possible benefits that AI might have to offer. However, the
same group has now developed an extensive consultation tool seeking
input on the issue of AI implementation to which we could offer our
collective wisdom. The e-mail currently being circulated is reproduced
below with lots of links to various parts of this project. However, just
to simplify, here is a link to the guide and submisison templete which
gives you an idea of what this entails.
Basic Consultation Guide with Submission Template
<https://www.peoplesaiconsultation.ca/basic-consultation-guide-with-submis...
I think we could offer some useful input. *Let me know if you are
interested in participating. *Deadline for submissions is Mar. 15. As I
am probably going to be away from Mar. 3-11, I would need to get this
ball rolling very soon.
Marita
see forwarded e-mail below
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:* Cynthia Khoo <cynthia(a)citizenlab.ca>
*Sent:* Thursday, January 22, 2026 8:00 AM
*Subject:* Re: People’s Consultation on AI Launches Today!
Hello all,
On Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 1:04 PM Cynthia Khoo <cynthia(a)citizenlab.ca
<mailto:cynthia@citizenlab.ca>> wrote:
Dear signatories of the Open Letter
<https://bccla.org/policy-submission/open-letter-to-the-minister-of-artifi...
the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation
opposing the “National Sprint” consultation on AI strategy:
*/The People's Consultation on AI officially launches today! /*
Submissions will be accepted until _March 15, 2026_. Please share
with your networks and encourage those in your communities to
participate and submit comments! We would highlight in particular
the Basic Consultation Guide with Submission Template
<https://www.peoplesaiconsultation.ca/basic-consultation-guide-with-submis...;,
and more interactive Local Facilitation Guide
<https://www.peoplesaiconsultation.ca/local-facilitation-guide/>;, as
participation options for those who are /not /already well-versed in
AI issues or necessarily work on them, but who are impacted and have
thoughts on the matter, as well as to generate more local
discussion, build community capacity, and broaden public
conversation and awareness.
*Website (EN):* https://www.peoplesaiconsultation.ca/
<https://www.peoplesaiconsultation.ca/>
*Website (FR): *https://www.consultationpopulairesurlia.ca/
<https://www.consultationpopulairesurlia.ca/>
*Press Release:* CCLA
<https://ccla.org/press-release/civil-society-innitiative-announces-public...
| BCCLA
<https://bccla.org/2026/01/civil-society-launches-peoples-consultation-on-...
| PCAI Website <https://www.peoplesaiconsultation.ca/news-updates/>
*Media Coverage:* "Critics, pollsters warn Canadians are wary of AI,
want government to set guardrails" (Canadian Press):
https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/01/21/critics-pollsters-warn-canadians...
<https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/01/21/critics-pollsters-warn-canadians...
Many people were involved in making this initiative a reality,
through a tremendous collective effort. We're also grateful to all
of you who have supported along the way, whether through signing or
sharing the letter, expressions of interest and offers to help, or
spreading the word to your networks.
To post more widely, feel free to adapt from or expand on the
suggested templates below:
AI technologies are becoming embedded into every aspect of how
we live our lives. But how is it being regulated? The government
is only listening to industry voices. Have your say: [LINK]
Canadians deserve to have a say over if, how, and to what extent
AI is part of our future. That's why [I'm/we're] participating
in the People's Consultation on AI, and [I/we] strongly
encourage you and those in your community to as well.
Submissions are due March 15: [LINK]
The federal government refused to give the public and
independent experts time to participate in their rushed and
industry-biased "national sprint" on AI. That's why civil
society set up the People's Consultation on AI, in protest and
as a meaningful alternative. Participate before March 15: [LINK]
Best,
Cynthia (and on behalf of the PCAI ad hoc working group)
p.s. If you would like not to receive any further emails on the
PCAI, let us know and we will remove you from future emails. *If you
had indicated on signing the letter that you are _not_ participating
in the PCAI, we will leave you off any future emails automatically,
unless you request otherwise. *
--
*Cynthia Khoo*
*Senior Fellow | Citizen Lab*
cynthia(a)citizenlab.ca <mailto:cynthia@citizenlab.ca> | @cyn-k
<https://bsky.app/profile/cyn-k.bsky.social>
citizenlab.ca <http://citizenlab.ca/>
Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
University of Toronto
315 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 0A7