Edmonton Firms Launch AI Tool to Transform Canadian Policymaking

In a significant development for Canadian policymaking, two firms from Edmonton, Alberta, are set to unveil an innovative artificial intelligence tool designed to enhance the legislative process. Diplomat Consulting and Punchcard Systems will announce the launch of LegEngine later this week, aiming to streamline compliance checks, intelligent searches, and drafting support for government officials.

The creation of LegEngine comes as governments grapple with the rapid pace of technological change. With sectors evolving faster than regulatory frameworks can adapt, the tool aims to assist policymakers at all levels in keeping up with new industries. The pilot program will focus on transportation and trade corridors in Alberta, particularly those connecting to the Northwest Territories, chosen for their complexity and interdepartmental nature.

Enhancing Legislative Efficiency

LegEngine is engineered to handle the growing scale and intricacy of policymaking. It integrates three core features: automated compliance checks, AI-driven legislative data searches, and drafting assistance that connects rules from various jurisdictions. Sam Jenkins, managing partner at Punchcard Systems, emphasizes that the tool serves as a new resource for governments, enabling them to be more agile and responsive to citizens’ needs. “We’re bringing a kind of new employee to the table to help government tackle a problem,” he states.

Rather than substituting human expertise, LegEngine is designed to enhance capacity, allowing teams to navigate complex issues more effectively. Jenkins compares the tool’s function to that of a law office utilizing precedent, expanding the information landscape for decision-makers. By amalgamating data from various ministries and past legislative efforts, LegEngine aims to foster deeper, more insightful policy drafting.

Nathan Mison, president and founder of Diplomat Consulting, highlights the multifaceted nature of many bills, which often involve multiple ministries. “Many bills touch up to five ministries,” he explains. The tool’s ability to compartmentalize and correlate this interplay is expected to yield significant advantages for businesses navigating regulatory environments.

Addressing the Evolving Needs of Government

Both Jenkins and Mison point to a pressing need for governments to adapt swiftly to technological advancements. Mison notes, “With the emerging technologies and the speed of entrepreneurship, government is just not able to keep up.” He argues that tools like LegEngine are essential for providing the stability and predictability that emerging industries require.

The pilot project aims to demonstrate the tool’s efficacy, with Mison asserting, “Interprovincial trade barriers and economic corridors are so large in their opportunity.” He believes that success in this initiative could pave the way for broader application across Canada, offering a model for improved regulatory frameworks.

Jenkins envisions a future where enhanced regulation leads to greater economic opportunities. “If we can build a tool that empowers more effective regulation on a province-to-province basis, we see huge opportunity to stretch what we’re doing across Canada,” he says. This sentiment reflects a shared aspiration among the partners to create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Trust remains a crucial element in the adoption of AI in government. LegEngine is designed to support, not supplant, the work of public servants, ensuring that final decisions remain with elected officials. The tool utilizes publicly accessible government materials as its foundation, reinforcing transparency in its operations.

Mison concludes with a vision for LegEngine that encompasses the broader implications for government and society. “Our aspiration is to help governments, citizens, and entrepreneurs create rules that allow investability, predictability, and productivity,” he states. As the landscape of technology continues to evolve, LegEngine represents a proactive step toward modernizing Canadian policymaking, providing a framework for future advancements.