What is Civic AI Canada?

Editorial guidelines

Civic AI Canada is an independent publication on AI governance and policy. Every piece we publish meets the standards below, and every contributor agrees to them before publication.

These guidelines protect our readers, our contributors, and the authority of the publication. They apply equally to every writer, from first-time contributors to senior advisors.

Human authorship and editing

Every piece published by Civic AI Canada is drafted entirely by a human author and edited entirely by a human editor. We develop a collaborative relationship with each of our writers. A “perfect” submission is not expected and not possible. We will work with you to get your submission where it needs to be for publication.

Contributors may not use generative AI tools to draft, rewrite, or translate any part of a submission. As a publication that examines AI in public life, we hold ourselves to this standard as a conscious choice. As a result, we publish less than other outlets. However, you know that each of our pieces meets the highest editorial standard and follows the gold standard of protocol for publishers.

Languages

We welcome articles in any of the six official languages of the United Nations: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. The same editorial standards apply for every language.

Originality and first publication

Civic AI Canada publishes original work only. Submissions must not have appeared elsewhere in any form, including on Substack, Medium, LinkedIn, or personal websites.

After publication, contributors may republish their piece elsewhere only after 3 days and only with both of the following:

• An opening line reading “Originally published by Civic AI Canada”
• A direct link to the original article on civicaicanada.org

The Civic AI Canada version remains the version of record.

Submissions that are not accepted for publication may not be presented as written for, commissioned by, or associated with Civic AI Canada. This has become a common issue on LinkedIn with several students and recent graduates claiming that they have written pieces for Civic AI Canada which were in fact declined.

Editorial process

Every submission is reviewed and edited by the Civic AI Canada editorial team before publication.

• The editor makes final decisions on acceptance, structure, headlines and publication timing.
• Authors review and approve any changes that affect facts or meaning.
• Accepted pieces are published under the author's name with a short contributor biography.

Civic AI Canada publishes student work rarely, and only from graduate students.

Policy pieces require authors with a graduate degree or equivalent senior professional experience. Authors without either are published only on technical topics.

Sourcing and references

Factual claims, data and quotations must be sourced. All references must be formatted as numbered endnotes, with a link or full citation for every source. Identify primary documents such as legislation, policy papers and official statements wherever possible.

Affiliations and conflicts of interest

Contributors who hold institutional roles write in a personal capacity. Their pieces carry a disclaimer stating that the analysis is their own and does not represent the position of their employer or institution.

Contributors must disclose any paid, advisory or other relationship relevant to the subject of their piece. Disclosed relationships are noted with the article.

Promotion and amplification

Contributors share responsibility for bringing their work to readers. When your piece is published:

• Repost the official Civic AI Canada announcement of your article.
• Include the hashtag #CivicAICanada in every repost or post about your piece.
• Link to the article on civicaicanada.org.

How to submit

Send a pitch letter and/or complete draft to civicaicanada@gmail.com, with a short biography and any affiliations to disclose. By submitting, you agree to these guidelines.

Merci à vous.