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

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@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@citizenlab.ca> wrote:
Dear signatories of the Open Letter to 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, and more interactive 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. 

Press Release: CCLA | BCCLA | PCAI Website
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-are-wary-of-ai-want-government-to-set-guardrails/  

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 

Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
University of Toronto
315 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 0A7