Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, with articles published daily on its potential uses. But how can the Government of Canada (GC) make the most of this emerging technology?

By using CANChat, SSC’s first generative AI chatbot.

What is CANChat?

CANChat is a generative AI tool created by SSC’s AI Program (AIP) to enhance employee productivity by using large language models (LLMs) for unclassified work. LLMs are advanced AI systems that generate human-like text by analyzing vast amounts of text data.

CANChat safeguards all data, including the content it learns from, in alignment with GC policies and standards.

Unlike other chatbots, CANChat does not use prompts to train its AI, which further protects user privacy.

What can CANChat do?

Similar to ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, CANChat can help GC workers become more productive.

It helps with various tasks, including:

• Document drafting

  Create emails, memos and other basic documents while saving time and supporting written expression.

• Content editing

  Adjust the tone, change the formality or reduce the length of content for more effective communication.

• Summarizing information

  Quickly summarize long articles or reports to provide key points without needing to read the entire text.

• Research assistance

  Locate relevant information, answer questions and provide summaries on complex topics.

• Meeting preparation

  Generate agendas, talking points and summaries from transcripts and facilitate efficient meeting preparation and follow-up.

• Assistance with Microsoft Office

  Generate Excel formulas, charts and other Office tool functionalities to streamline data management and analysis.

Like other AI tools, CANChat should not be used for sensitive or classified purposes. Additionally, generative AI outputs should always be thoroughly reviewed.

Canadian context

CANChat is more than a productivity tool. It’s a reflection of Canada’s commitment to digital sovereignty.

Canadian-trained large language models (LLMs) ensure AI tools such as CANChat reflect Canadian context, values and priorities, like recognizing that Parliament is in Ottawa or that the tax deadline is April 30.

By prioritizing Canadian-trained models, we:

• reduce reliance on foreign technologies
• strengthen our self-determination and control of data
• promote secure, unbiased AI services

CANChat service

As more departments are onboarding to join the over 20 departments already using the CANChat service, we’re watching a broader shift take shape across the GC. Innovation that once felt years away is now part of everyday workflows—helping GC workers work smarter, solve problems faster and dedicate more time to the human-centred tasks that matter most.

Here are some user testimonials we have collected to measure CANChat’s impact on productivity:

• “I primarily use CANChat to bridge the gap between technical terminology and executive speak almost every other day. It helps me more easily express my projects to my management team and colleagues.”

• “One of the most important things we’re using CANChat for is cross-referencing road maps with the project or Service Catalogue. It’s helped to reduce the time needed for the task by 30 to 40% so far.”

• “Right now, I’m learning Python and it’s been useful to say, ‘CANChat, how do I write this particular function’ and then CANChat helps me to figure out how to do it.”

CANChat is not just a tool—it’s a transformative enabler that’s redefining how we work for the better.

Related links

• Artificial Intelligence Program (Serving Government)
  (available only on the GC network)
• GC AI HUB (GCXchange)
  (available only on the GC network)