David J. McGuinty

The Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union leads the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s resolution on artificial intelligence at its 149th Assembly

October 22, 2024

OTTAWA – 22 October 2024 – The Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) led efforts at the 149th Assembly of the IPU that resulted in the adoption of a resolution on The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

The Honourable Michelle Rempel Garner, P.C., M.P., member of the Executive Committee of the Canadian Group of the IPU, and Ms. Neema Lugangira, M.P., National Assembly of Tanzania, presented the resolution as its co-rapporteurs to the over 650 parliamentarians from 135 national parliaments for adoption on the last day of the Assembly.

Under the leadership of Ms. Rempel Garner and Ms. Lugangira, the resolution on AI was finalized at the IPU’s Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights.

Among its 25 action points, the resolution calls on parliaments to adopt or strengthen legal frameworks and policies that allow for the responsible creation, deployment and use of AI technology. The resolution also recognizes the disproportionate impact of AI on women and girls and urges parliamentary action that mitigates the risks of AI to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

“The Canadian Group of the IPU continues to make significant contributions to the activities of the IPU,” the Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the IPU stated. “Our delegates routinely play important leadership roles in showcasing Canadian values and interests on a number of issues debated at the inter-parliamentary level.”

“This resolution underscores that parliamentarians from around the world share concerns about AI and want to learn more about the opportunities it presents,” Ms. Rempel Garner remarked. “More importantly, it highlights that we as parliamentarians have an important role to play in joining other stakeholders and ensuring a united effort to maximize the benefits of AI, while mitigating risks to humanity.”

Points of note:

The IPU is the world organization of parliaments. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, its membership includes 181 parliaments or organizations representing national parliaments. Established in 1889, it is the oldest organization of its type.
The Parliament of Canada joined the IPU in 1912; the modern-day group of the IPU was constituted in 1960.
The Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights is concerned with challenges relating to democracy and human rights, such as youth participation and the protection of children, from the parliamentary perspective. It is one of four permanent committees of the IPU that propose parliamentary action at the national and international levels on issues within their mandate.
The 149th Assembly of the IPU took place from 13 to 17 October 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The delegation representing the Canadian Group of the IPU at the 149th Assembly of the IPU comprised the Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P. and President of the Canadian Group of the IPU; the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator and Vice-President of the Canadian Group of the IPU; the Honourable Michelle Rempel Garner, P.C., M.P. and member of the Executive Committee of the Canadian Group of the IPU, the Honourable Brent Cotter, Senator; and Ms. Jenny Kwan, M.P. A full report on the delegation’s activities at the 149th Assembly of the IPU will be tabled in the Senate of Canada and in the House of Commons at a later date.