OTTAWA — A new poll indicates an overwhelming majority of Canadians are in favour of regulating artificial intelligence, and almost half are worried it will contribute to cognitive decline.

The Leger poll found 85 per cent of respondents believe governments should regulate AI tools to ensure ethical and safe use. More than half, 57 per cent, said they strongly agreed with that statement.

“It’s very clear Canadians want government involved,” said Jennifer McLeod Macey, senior vice-president at Leger.

The survey, which polled 1,518 people between Aug. 22 and Aug. 25, was conducted online and can’t be assigned a margin of error.

Canada’s Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon has said he will put less emphasis on AI regulation, amid a global shift in which governments are focusing

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