GC AI: Making government work better
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we work—right now.
At Shared Services Canada (SSC), we play a key leadership role across government and globally. We help departments and industry partners explore and use AI in smart ways that make government work better for everyone.
AI helps the Government of Canada
When used thoughtfully and responsibly, AI can help the Government of Canada (GC):
- deliver services to Canadians faster and more efficiently
- focus on meaningful work by removing extra administrative steps
- make well-informed decisions with timely, reliable data
- spark new ideas and innovation across the public service
Building trust: using AI responsibly
At SSC, we use AI responsibly and openly so Canadians can feel confident in how the department supports government services.
We follow clear, government-wide rules to ensure AI is used safely, legally and ethically using these resources:
- Guide on the use of generative artificial intelligence
- Responsible use of artificial intelligence in government
- Directive on Automated Decision-Making
- Algorithmic Impact Assessment tool
- AI Strategy for the Federal Public Service 2025-2027 (developed by SSC with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat)
We’ve also created our own guide, which helps ensure that employees use AI tools responsibly and understand their limits. Other departments can build on this guide for their own use.
Protecting what matters: AI, LLMs
The GC is investing in Large Language Models (LLMs) that are Canadian-trained and securely hosted by GC-approved cloud providers.
This means the technology is built for Canada, managed responsibly and protected under Canadian rules.
Why does this matter? Because it supports digital sovereignty—the way Canada stays in control of its own data, technology and services.
What are LLMs?
Large language models—often called LLMs—are a type of AI system that works with text. They can read, write, summarize and answer questions in a way that feels like a conversation.
You’ve likely seen them in chatbots or virtual assistants that help people get information quickly and easily.
AI in action: CANChat and Canada’s digital sovereignty
A great example of an AI chatbot that uses our GC LLMs is CANChat: SSC’s first generative AI chatbot.
CANChat helps public servants:
- find information faster
- complete tasks more efficiently
- spend less time searching and more time focusing on what really matters
… all while keeping Canadian data secure and digitally sovereign.
How does CANChat support digital sovereignty?
Drawing from our fine-tuned Canadian LLMs, CANChat understands Canada—it can reflect our values and realities. It knows that:
- Parliament is in Ottawa
- tax season ends on April 30
- Canada is bilingual
- privacy, fairness and accessibility matter
The result? More accurate, relevant and culturally aware outcomes.