About
What is Civic AI Canada?
Civic AI Canada is an independent public-interest project aimed at making AI policy in Canada legible to ordinary citizens — and giving them the tools to engage their elected representatives.
The problem this addresses
Artificial intelligence governance is one of the most consequential policy areas of this decade. The decisions being made now — about which AI systems get regulated, how government agencies can use AI to make decisions about citizens, what transparency requirements apply, and how Canada participates in international AI safety frameworks — will shape Canadian life for a generation.
Yet AI policy is almost entirely invisible to most Canadians. Bills move through parliamentary committee with little public attention. Voluntary codes are signed without press scrutiny. Hundreds of millions of dollars are committed to AI infrastructure alongside almost nothing on safety research. The public conversation rarely rises above either utopian enthusiasm or vague alarm, without the specific, substantive engagement that democratic accountability requires.
This gap is partly a communications problem — AI governance doesn't have the visceral immediacy of a healthcare crisis or a cost-of-living squeeze — and partly a knowledge problem. The technical complexity of AI is real. The institutional complexity of Canadian federalism is real. Most people interested in engaging simply don't know where to start.
Civic AI Canada exists to close that gap.
What this site does
Three things, specifically:
It tracks. Federal and provincial AI-related legislation, with plain-language summaries and current status. Public positions from the Prime Minister, federal ministers, and provincial Premiers. Canadian news coverage of AI policy, filtered for relevance. When something happens — a bill moves through committee, a minister makes a statement, a regulation is proposed — this site records it.
It explains. The AI 101 page covers what modern AI actually is, how it differs from earlier software, what the realistic risks are (organized by category), and why those risks are taken seriously by serious people. The glossary defines every technical term used on the site. The goal is a reader who is smart and educated but new to AI — the kind of reader who should be engaged with this policy area but currently isn't, because the entry cost is too high.
It activates. The Citizen Toolkit provides concrete, specific guidance for engaging elected representatives: how to find your MP, how to write an effective letter, how to participate in a parliamentary committee consultation, how to use your professional expertise if you have it. No vague "make your voice heard" filler — only actionable steps.
Who it's for
Educated adults who are not already specialists in AI or policy. People who read long-form journalism, who vote and follow politics, who may have a professional stake in AI's development — in healthcare, law, education, finance, the public service — but who don't have time to monitor parliamentary committee transcripts.
It is not for AI researchers (who have better resources) or for people who want a policy advocacy organization (Civic AI Canada takes no positions on specific legislation). It is for citizens who want to understand what's happening and have meaningful, informed opinions about it.
How it's funded
Civic AI Canada is a volunteer initiative led by Aziza F. Mohammed. It is not affiliated with any government, political party, AI company, or advocacy organization. Funding model and organizational structure are being developed; this section will be updated when that information is available.
Expert commentary and media
We offer expert commentary, background briefings, and opinion writing on a wide range of social, economic, and environmental issues arising from artificial intelligence — including AI governance, labour market impacts, digital rights, algorithmic accountability, and Canada's role in international AI safety frameworks.
We welcome requests for interviews, background conversations, speaking engagements, panel participation, and written contributions. Please reach out at civicaicanada@gmail.com with details about your request and timeline.
Errors, corrections, and contributions
The trackers are maintained by hand. If you find an error in a bill summary, a misquoted position, a broken link, or missing legislation, please write to civicaicanada@gmail.com with the details. Corrections will be made promptly.
Contributors
Analysis and commentary on this site is written by the people below. Where a contributor holds an institutional or government role, a disclaimer notes that their writing reflects independent analysis, not an official position.
Aziza F. Mohammed
Executive Director
Aziza F. Mohammed is a global governance expert and international development consultant. She worked on the UNCCD COP16 negotiations for UNDP. Her work at the World Bank includes the flagship Scaling Solar program, serving on the team that built a new National Development Strategy (NDS II) for Qatar, and work across the Middle East and North Africa as part of the World Bank MENA Vice-President’s Office. She has also held senior roles at Women and Gender Equality Canada and Natural Resources Canada. Off-screen, she enjoys watching films and eating chocolate.
Recent articles
Prithy Ahmed
Senior Policy Analyst
Standards Council of Canada
Prithy Ahmed is a Senior Policy Analyst working on AI policy and governance initiatives for the federal government of Canada. She advises on integrating technical standards into responsible AI governance practices and has conducted research on the impacts of AI technologies on trade. She holds a master’s degree in public policy and global affairs from the University of British Columbia.
Disclaimer: Contributions reflect Prithy Ahmed’s independent analysis and do not represent an official position of the Standards Council of Canada.
Recent articles
Mike Clarke
Dramatherapist & Researcher; CEO, Same Page Solutions Inc.
Same Page Solutions Inc., Toronto
Mike Clarke is a dramatherapist, researcher, and CEO of Same Page Solutions Inc., based in Toronto, Canada. He brings over a decade of expertise supporting children and young people, autistic adults, and adults navigating periods of crisis.
Sarry Zheng
Digital Transformation Advisor
Sarry Zheng advises businesses and governments on digital transformation, AI adoption, and innovation across North America. With an MBA and a background in science, she helps organizations de-risk technological change and navigate the complex digital landscape responsibly. Raised in an entrepreneurial family, she has a lifelong passion for helping small businesses succeed.
John Henderson
Software Engineer
John Henderson is a software engineer based in Vancouver, BC, focused on making the transition to transformative AI go well for Canadians and beyond. He brings a builder’s perspective to AI governance, helping make a fast-moving field legible to the public. Off-screen, he’s usually birding, playing jazz piano, or out for a run.