The Government of Canada has launched its first public register detailing how artificial intelligence is being used across the federal government, marking a new step toward transparency and accountability in digital governance.
The AI Register, released November 28 by Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali, provides Canadians with an overview of where and how artificial intelligence systems are being explored, developed, or deployed within federal institutions. It is the first centralized, publicly accessible inventory of federal AI use.
According to the Treasury Board Secretariat, the register includes information from 42 federal institutions and lists more than 400 AI systems currently in use or under development. These range from early research projects and proof-of-concept initiatives to fully operational tools that support government programs and service delivery.
Each entry outlines the purpose of the system, its current or intended use, and whether it was developed internally or by an external vendor. The register draws on existing government data that has been validated by departments and agencies.
The federal government says the register is designed to improve oversight and coordination across departments, while helping reduce duplication and identify opportunities to use technology more efficiently. It also aims to give the public greater visibility into how AI is shaping decision-making and service delivery within government.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming governments, and we are committed to providing Canadians with information about how it is being used to support programs and services,” Ali said in a statement. “The AI Register is an important step in building public trust and ensuring the responsible use of AI across the federal public service.”
The register is hosted on the Open Government Portal, the federal government’s central platform for sharing data and information with the public. While AI has been used within the federal government for decades, including systems dating back to 1994, this is the first time such use has been publicly catalogued in one place.
The current version of the register does not include AI embedded in low-risk commercial products, such as spell checkers or virtual assistants.
Public consultations are planned for 2026 to gather feedback from Canadians on the register’s design and usability. The government says the register will be updated regularly as departments continue to develop and deploy AI systems.
