OTTAWA - The chief data officer for Ottawa has indicated that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into federal government operations could result in some job reductions within the public service. In a recent interview, Stephen Burt noted that the effects of AI will differ significantly across various job roles and departments.

Burt stated, "I think there will be some, but I couldn't tell you specifically right now what the magnitude of that is going to be or where it's going to be felt most acutely." He emphasized the importance of providing employees with opportunities for retraining and job transitions as the government moves forward with AI initiatives.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who campaigned on enhancing public service efficiency through AI, has directed Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne to identify a 15 percent reduction in program spending over the next three years. In August, the government partnered with Canadian AI firm Cohere to explore areas where AI could improve public service functions.

The government plans to establish a public registry to keep citizens informed about its AI usage and to monitor ongoing AI projects, although no timeline for the registry's launch has been announced. Various government departments have already utilized AI for tasks such as analyzing satellite data, forecasting weather, predicting tax case outcomes, and processing temporary visa applications.

Burt described AI as one of several tools aimed at increasing government efficiency. He stated, "There are going to be many things being done to help enhance efficiency and focus across government and AI is just going to be one piece of it."

However, concerns have been raised regarding the implications of AI on public service jobs. Sharon DeSousa, president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, expressed skepticism about AI's ability to improve public services. In a statement, she said, "Canadians need real help from real people — not chatbots, automated phone trees or AI dead ends." DeSousa warned that cuts to the public service could lead to diminished services for those in need and urged the government to consult with unions and frontline workers before implementing AI.

Catherine Connelly, a professor at McMaster University, highlighted public apprehension about AI, recalling past government technology failures like the Phoenix pay system and the ArriveCan app. She remarked, "It's great that they are trying to be innovative and that they're focusing on cost and that they're focusing on performance and productivity. It's just that we've seen this before and I think it's natural for Canadians to have some concerns about how this will be rolled out."

Connelly cautioned against using AI as a substitute for human decision-making, particularly in sensitive areas such as hiring. The federal government has stated that when AI could significantly impact decisions, it will require an algorithmic impact assessment, which will be made public.

Burt emphasized the need for clear communication during the transition to AI. He said, "I think we need to be open with our employees where we do see those possibilities, and there's lots of supports in place, through the various processes governments had established for a long time on how you manage workforce changes."

Despite these assurances, Sean O'Reilly, president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, criticized the government's lack of transparency regarding AI adoption. He stated, "There's a lot of informing the bargaining agents about AI when it does happen and it's usually after the fact, before we've had any chance to consult. There's never been real meaningful consultation."

O'Reilly acknowledged the potential benefits of AI but expressed concern that its implementation might undermine human judgment and lead to job losses. He noted, "I look at the work that public servants do in general, yes, I think there's probably some mundane tasks that we could assign to artificial intelligence. It would give the public servant the ability to get those off their plate."