The commission said accessibility, gender equality should be progressed through AI for All’s rollout
The Canadian Human Rights Commission is urging the federal government to not just comply with, but progress current human rights law through the rollout of its recently announced artificial intelligence strategy “AI for All.”
The commission called for the advancement of accessibility, gender equality, substantive equality, and “the full enjoyment of human rights” in a statement issued in response to the government’s announcement. It encouraged the government to ensure that diverse communities and equity-deserving groups – like Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities, people with disabilities, and women – are properly represented in the data used to develop, train, and assess AI systems.
The CHRC noted that AI could be used to improve medical care access, accelerate scientific research, enhance services access, and contribute to tackling complex social issues. Nonetheless, such systems could reinforce systemic discrimination, bias, and exclusion if they are trained on information that enforces inequalities, barriers, and the exclusion of diverse communities.
“Artificial intelligence has the potential to be one of the most transformative accessibility tools of our generation. But innovation alone is not enough. As the government of Canada implements its new AI strategy, accessibility must be built in by design, not added as an afterthought,” said Christopher T. Sutton, accessibility commissioner, in the statement. “The lived experiences of people with disabilities must help shape how these technologies are designed, deployed, and governed. When accessibility is embedded by design, AI can help remove barriers rather than create them.”
The CHRC pointed out that the strategy acknowledged the concurrent progress of technology ad human dignity; thus, the country has committed to an equitable AI approach adhering to Accessible Canada Act principles, integrating Gender-Based Analysis Plus, and addressing the fundamental human right to privacy. The commission lauded this acknowledgment as well as the prioritization of AI harm safeguards and the engagement of Indigenous leadership in technology development.
“As we integrate AI across public and private sector systems and workplaces, we must ensure these technologies do not replicate or deepen existing systemic inequalities for women, in all of their diversity, and I am pleased to see the commitment in the strategy to addressing systemic barriers. Transparent design, inclusive data practices, and ongoing oversight will be essential to building AI systems that benefit all workers,” said Lori Straznicky, pay equity commissioner.
The CHRC called for robust supervision, transparent regulatory alignment, proactive protective measures, and human rights impact evaluations prior to the rollout of AI systems in areas affecting access to services, benefits, employment, education, housing, health care, policing, or justice. The commission also urged the government to consider environmental justice, the community impacts of large-scale AI infrastructure, and job loss possibilities.
“Artificial intelligence must advance, not undermine, the enjoyment of human rights in Canada. We cannot wait to discover harms after the fact—strong oversight, proactive safeguards, and clear accountability are essential. Where harm from AI systems does occur, people must have access to effective redress mechanisms,” said Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, CHRC’s chief commissioner.
