A diverse group of Canadian MPs and senators are backing a campaign urging Canada to engage in international negotiations for the creation of a “trust but verify” framework to prevent the advancement of AI exceeding human intelligence. The call coincides with the imminent release of Canada’s national AI strategy.
The initiative, spearheaded by Control AI, a non-profit organization focused on averting the extinction risk posed by superintelligence, emphasizes the need for national security measures against the development of superintelligent AI. Prominent figures, including Nobel laureates, leading AI experts, and CEOs, have cautioned about the potential existential threat posed by AI, likening it to nuclear warfare.
Among the backers of the campaign are Liberal MPs Judy Sgro, Jonathan Wilkinson, and Steven Guilbeault, with Conservative MPs William Stevenson, Cathay Wagantall, Joël Godin, and Arnold Viersen also lending their support. Independent MP Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay and Bloc Québécois MP Martin Champoux, representing other Bloc MPs, are also supporters, along with three Canadian senators.
Artificial superintelligence (ASI), capable of surpassing human cognitive abilities, is a focal point of concern. While some experts, like British-Canadian computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton, predict its emergence in the near future, others remain skeptical of the timeline.
Wyatt Tessari L’Allié, founder of AI Governance and Safety Canada, stressed the significance of the campaign in highlighting the gravity of artificial superintelligence within government circles. Notably, U.S. tech giants Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google are leading in ASI development, prompting the need for a global regulatory regime, particularly focusing on the U.S. and China as AI superpowers.
Acknowledging the evolving awareness in the U.S., L’Allié pointed out recent initiatives such as President Donald Trump’s executive order requiring tech companies to allow government review of new AI models before public release. Additionally, discussions between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts to enhance AI governance for global welfare.
The launch of Control AI’s campaign precedes the forthcoming national AI strategy by the Canadian government. The strategy emphasizes building trusted partnerships and global alliances to ensure Canada’s autonomous leadership in key AI capabilities, reflecting initiatives like the Sovereign Technology Alliance established with Germany. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent discussions with Pope Leo underscore the imperative of responsible AI development and international leadership in leveraging AI for the common good.