Canada opens AI transparency consultation through September 2026

The Government of Canada has opened a public consultation on advancing AI transparency, running through September 23, 2026, as part of its effort to implement Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All. The consultation invites all Canadians to weigh in on five specific areas where transparency gaps have been identified.

The five focus areas are: detecting and identifying AI-generated content; empowering individuals to know when they are interacting with AI systems; improving the availability of consistent and understandable information about AI systems, including their development, capabilities and limitations; enabling the tracking of serious incidents related to AI systems; and advancing ways to better track the activity and interactions of AI agents. According to the government, increased transparency can help Canadians understand their interaction with AI, help businesses make informed decisions about AI product adoption, and provide governments and organizations the information needed to develop policies and research shaping Canadians' experience with AI.

Participation is open to the public through an anonymous survey or email submissions to AIConsultations-ConsultationsIA@ised-isde.gc.ca. The government notes that submissions will be considered public documents and may be posted online, and requests that participants not include personal or confidential information. A discussion paper titled "Enhancing trust in artificial intelligence through increased transparency" provides further detail on the five areas covered in the survey.

After the consultation closes, the government will review all submissions and publish a What We Heard report. Depending on the volume of feedback received, the government may use AI tools to help process the submissions. This consultation is framed as part of a broader five-year plan to introduce new legislation, investments and programs ensuring AI is adopted responsibly and that the benefits of AI are shared across workers, businesses and communities in Canada.

Canada's AI transparency consultation reflects growing recognition that governance of artificial intelligence requires public input and clear accountability mechanisms. The five focus areas identified by the government span a range of practical concerns: from the technical challenge of detecting AI-generated content to the user-facing need for clear disclosure when AI systems are involved in decision-making or service delivery. By grounding the consultation in Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy—AI for All—the government signals that transparency is not a standalone issue but central to its broader vision of responsible AI adoption that serves all Canadians.

The consultation's structure—anonymous submissions processed potentially with AI tools themselves—acknowledges both the sensitivity of public feedback on AI governance and the scale of responses expected. The promised What We Heard report will translate public input into evidence for future policy decisions, creating a feedback loop between civil society and government strategy on AI regulation and research priorities.

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