In Canada, federal artificial intelligence (AI) policy is being shaped by a broad policy network consisting of government departments, public research institutions, technology companies, industrial associations and civil society organizations (CSOs). The various organizations within the AI policy network possess different levels of power: government departments and public research institutions hold the highest levels of power, technology companies and industrial associations possess moderate levels of power and CSOs have the lowest levels of power. CSOs should play a larger role in the AI policy-making process because they offer valuable insights into the societal and ethical implications of AI. These organizations can be empowered by enacting various institutional changes, specifically by connecting them with AI governance bodies such as the Advisory Council on AI, the Office of the AI and Data Commissioner and the AI Safety Institute. Another key change that should be made is the decentralization of AI policy-making authority, which is currently concentrated in the hands of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
