Shaping the future of GC AI: Meet Maiza
Shaping the future of GC AI: Meet Maiza
Maiza Asif is one of the talented students working in SSC’s CanAI Garage Program. Discover the impact of her work on how public servants use AI in the GC.
At Shared Services Canada (SSC), helping the public service keep up with the rapid evolution of technology isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a mission. Leading this mission are programs such as CanAI Garage, and students like Maiza Asif are at the heart of it all!
Hands-on experience
Maiza, a computer science student at Memorial University, joined SSC and its CanAI Garage Program in October 2025. She was looking to gain experience solving real-life challenges with AI, and the Garage delivered.
My experience with the Garage has so far exceeded anything I could have imagined. It allows me to learn so much about how AI is advancing across the Government of Canada (GC). And the connections I’ve made while collaborating with teammates across Canada have been incredible. It’s inspiring to be a part of it!
Working with the program’s Sovereign Virtual Large Language Model (LLM) team, Maiza contributed to creating an LLM capability that can be adapted to different use cases. It can support government employees with tasks like summarizing information, drafting content and analyzing text—while ensuring strong data protection. The capability has since expanded to the CanAI SharePoint Assistant, a chatbot that Maiza is helping develop and test. The Assistant aims to save employees time by providing quick, reliable answers and supporting consistent, informed decision-making.
One of Maiza’s favourite daily tasks? Designing and coding user-friendly interfaces for chatbots.
I really enjoy creating project layouts to plan my page design approach. I like proposing interactive elements that enhance usability, meet accessibility requirements and ensure people have the best possible experience with chatbots.
A bright tomorrow
AI is becoming a key tool that helps optimize day-to-day work across the GC. From enhancing productivity to transforming our processes, its potential continues to expand.
Maiza agrees:
AI tools are in high demand and extremely relevant in my field today. They’re becoming the immediate solutions for accessing information and automating tasks. And they are evolving so quickly, it’s fascinating! I think the future of AI in Canada is really bright. Every day, every week, we get to learn something new. There is always a cutting-edge advancement being made.
Looking at her own future, Maiza hopes to pursue a career in AI automation and machine learning.
In the CanAI Garage Program, I use the concepts that I’m learning in university and incorporate them into my projects. After my degree, I want to pursue a career that will allow me to apply what I’ve learned and help me get even more skilled in AI.
Cultivating talent
Maiza’s work is just one example of how students at the Garage are shaping tools and systems that are transforming how the GC serves Canadians.
As Scott Taylor, Director General of Digital Enablement and Science Innovation at SSC, puts it:
These students don’t simply learn about AI; they actively build, explore and innovate with the technology. The CanAI Garage Program’s employees and students are developing transformative tools and solutions that enhance government operations and deliver real value to Canadians.
Students bring fresh perspectives and bold ideas that directly shape how we work, positioning them as key contributors to public service innovation. By partnering with academic institutions, the CanAI Garage is cultivating the talent that will drive Canada’s AI future.
At SSC, we’re addressing current challenges while preparing public servants to navigate tomorrow’s technological landscape. Our investment in next-generation talent will ensure a resilient and innovative public service for years to come.
It’s what we do.
Related information
- CanAI Garage—Unlocking the future with Canada’s brightest minds
- GC AI
- SSC’s April 23 LinkedIn post about International Girls in ICT Day, featuring Maiza
- Maiza’s April 23 LinkedIn post about her experience with the CanAI Garage
- Memorial University Newfoundland : ‘Immediate value’