On June 27, 2024, the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Technology (MCN) published a Statement of Principles for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence by Public Bodies (the Statement). 

The Statement highlights the following 10 guiding principles that public bodies should follow when using artificial intelligence (AI), which includes the principles of:

• respect for people and the rule of law - the use of AI systems must be done in accordance with the rule of law, human rights, and freedoms; 
• inclusion and equity - AI systems must aim to meet the needs of the Quebec population with regard to public services while promoting diversity and inclusion;
• reliability and robustness - measures must be taken to verify the reliability and robustness of AI systems used or to be used;
• security - systems must be done in compliance with information security obligations. Security measures must be put in place to limit the risks incurred and adequately protect the information concerned;
• efficiency, effectiveness, and relevance - AI systems should make it possible to offer citizens and businesses simplified, integrated, and high-quality public services;
• sustainability - responsible use of AI systems must be part of sustainable development;
• transparency -  public bodies should inform citizens and businesses about the nature and scope of AI systems and when they are used in a manner that promotes public trust in them;
• explainability - responsible use of AI systems involves providing citizens and businesses with clear and unambiguous explanations of decisions, predictions, or actions that affect them;
• responsibility - public bodies should put in place control measures and adequate governance of AI systems, including human supervision or validation; and
• competence - employees of public bodies must be made aware of the use, best practices, and issues that may arise throughout the life cycle of AI systems in the performance of their duties.

The Statement also includes illustrations with examples of the implications of the principles for public bodies.

You can read the Statement, only available in French, here.