Three ways AI can substantially improve economic analyses
The recent boom in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques has shown their potential to revolutionize our societies, with noticeable advances in applied sciences (automation of transport, health, and interpersonal interaction). However, these powerful tools still have relatively low popularity in the social sciences. How can AI and ML be useful to a […]
Creating opportunity in the pandemic recovery through digital infrastructure
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about major change for a vast majority of knowledge workers. COVID has accelerated the underlying technological transformations shaping how Canadians work, and emphasized the inequalities across regions in our ability to access digital infrastructure. Increased reliance on digital connections has also increased the risk to cyber attacks. Successfully addressing this […]
The lessons of COVID-19 apply to cybersecurity, too, and we must learn them
As security experts know, one of the biggest areas of risk is simple human nature. Consider that it was accepted wisdom that a global pandemic was a matter of when, not if. But in the face of so many competing, pressing, or timely priorities, it’s hardly surprising that pandemic planning sat at the bottom of […]
Here’s how AI can help, and is already helping, Canada fight COVID-19
The federal government has signed a contract with BlueDot, a Toronto-based digital health firm that was vaunted for its early identification of the COVID-19 outbreak, to track the spread of the virus, the latest tool in the artificial intelligence toolbox being deployed against the public health crisis. “The Government of Canada, through the Public Health […]
Canada needs to own critical IP and data assets to inspire generational economic prosperity
Artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G are infrastructure layers for future technologies: 5G enables collection and use of data while AI unlocks the ability to extract value from that data. For Canada’s economic prosperity, we need strategic stewardship of Canada’s investment in these technologies. And that stewardship starts with Canadian firms owning the innovation assets—intellectual property […]
Speeding up on the information highway: Canada’s drive towards 5G is not designed for its citizens
At this historic moment, we are all seeking some comfort and normality. Over the years, we got used to video-conferencing with family, friends, and colleagues, streaming our favourite series and video games, taking part in online fitness classes, ordering groceries, and asking for health counselling online. In times of COVID-19, however, we have come to […]
The undeniable AI-5G convergence
Current COVID-19-related events and responses demonstrate the interconnectedness of our world. A virus that began in China has spread to more than 100 countries in a matter of weeks. From a technology point of view, connectivity is global and omnipresent—and 5G will take connectivity to a level that has never been seen before in human […]
Here’s how to start the national effort on cybersecurity
I’ve worked in cybersecurity for most of my professional life. What’s concerning to me is how we’ve come to accept cyberattacks as just an inconvenient fact of life. Many now see the risk of a damaging hack much like the weather or the economy: something to be concerned about, to be sure, but unlikely to […]
The Canadian mandate: data governance for economic prosperity
The ministerial mandate letters are clear: there is a need to establish a new set of online rights focused on data use for Canadians. Three ministers in particular are charged with the main task of co-ordinating these new rights: innovation, science, and industry; heritage; and justice. Why such a focus on data? Simply put, there […]
‘Data, privacy, trade’: ministers tasked with AI file contending with fast, fundamental changes
From new ice forecasting techniques that help improve shipping safety in northern waters, to new tools involved with the reclamation of ancient Indigenous languages, to social media “chatbots” that respond to general questions about immigration and citizenship, the Canadian government is increasingly turning toward automated tools to solve tough problems, improve predictions, and cut down […]
