January 21, 2026 – The People’s Consultation on AI launches today, a collaborative civil society initiative created in response to the federal government’s failure to provide a meaningful consultation process during the development of a national AI strategy in October 2025.
These and other shortcomings were detailed in an open letter signed by over 160 civil society organizations and experts in October 2025, protesting the government’s “national sprint” on AI and documenting the many negative impacts that are already occurring as AI technologies become embedded in every aspect of Canadian society.
The People’s Consultation on AI offers a meaningful alternative. Beginning today, public interest groups, academics, impacted communities, and people across Canada have a meaningful opportunity to have their say on whether–and how–AI should be adopted and governed in Canada.
Designed for broad participation, the People’s Consultation on AI welcomes everything from the results of neighbourhood discussions about AI’s everyday impacts to in-depth expert analyses. The consultation website provides resources on current implications of AI alongside general guidance and community facilitation tools to help people craft submissions collaboratively.
Submissions will be published on the consultation website, shared with the federal government, and support civil society efforts to build a comprehensive response to the threats posed by AI.
The People’s Consultation on AI will be accepting submissions until March 15, 2026.
