Elections N.W.T. developing policy for AI use, but not in time for Yellowknife election
Proposed regulations would apply to N.W.T. elections but could provide direction for municipalities
Elections N.W.T. is working on new legislation to regulate how artificial intelligence can be used. But it won’t be ready by the October 19 Yellowknife election.
Elections N.W.T., despite being a territorial agency, is assisting with the municipal election on October 19. The proposed legislation would only apply to territorial elections, however, it could provide direction for municipalities.
The legislation would cover the best practices for Elections N.W.T.’s own internal use of AI, and lay out when it can, and can’t be used in elections. Stephen Dunbar, chief electoral officer with Elections N.W.T., says it will also require candidates to disclose when they’ve used AI.
“Right now, one of the ways we can bring forward some regulations that can apply even as the system and technology changes and evolves, is disclosing that it is being used,” he said.
“We are looking at making sure that candidates are being upfront that ‘yes, we are using AI to do this poster and if it has six fingers on it, that’s why.’”
Dunbar said that Elections N.W.T. would never upload personal information into AI or use it to analyze confidential or sensitive information. As the agency considers its AI policy, he said people will always be at the forefront of their work.
“Elections are still inherently a paper-based process,” he said.
He said surveys done by Elections Canada have shown voters by and large have a better experience when they can speak with someone face-to-face, rather than a screen.
“I do not see AI replacing that.”
Dunbar said his team rarely uses AI, although Elections N.W.T. has used it to summarize documents or to draft emails. He said he expects the proposed legislation to go to the legislative assembly later in October, in the session starting the day after Yellowknife’s municipal election.
Stephen Van Dine, Yellowknife city manager, isn’t concerned about this election running without AI guardrails.
“What might surprise Yellowknifers, including some of the candidates, the City of Yellowknife is unfortunately very analog,” he said.
He said AI use among city administration is “very modest.” The city is looking at developing an internal AI policy, as well.
Van Dine said the city doesn’t have the capacity to monitor whether candidates are using AI in this election and it will be up to voters to decide how they feel.
“Yellowknifers are not shy,” said Van Dine. “And that’s a good thing.”
Comments, tips or story ideas? Contact Eilís at eilis.quinn(at)cbc.ca
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Canada: Parti Québécois wins Ungava riding in Quebec provincial elections, The Canadian Press
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