Four Major Political Parties in Quebec Commit to Responsible AI Use in Elections

Commitment to Responsible AI in Quebec Politics

As Quebec prepares for its general elections scheduled for October 5th, 2026, four major political parties have announced their commitment to a new code of conduct for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in politics. This initiative, spearheaded by IVADO and CEIMIA, aims to ensure transparency and accountability in how AI technologies are utilized during campaigning efforts.

The participating parties include the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), the Parti Québécois (PQ), and Québec solidaire (QS). Each party has agreed to engage in practices that prioritize ethical standards in their use of AI, particularly by avoiding the creation or dissemination of misleading content that could distort voter perceptions.

Key Principles of the Code

The newly adopted code outlines four fundamental principles designed to uphold integrity in political discourse:
1. Transparency: Parties are urged to openly communicate their use of AI and the methodology behind it.
2. Responsible Use: It encompasses a commitment to utilizing AI in ways that do not adversely affect voters’ understanding or decision-making processes.
3. Security and Governance: Establishing robust governance structures to oversee AI's application in political contexts.
4. Awareness and Prevention: Encouraging staff and party members to recognize and prevent potential abuses or misuses of AI technology.

Developed with guidance from experts like Catherine Régis from the University of Montreal, Christian Gagné from Laval University, and Marc-Antoine Dilhac from the University of Montreal, this initiative seeks to combat misinformation and enhance public trust in electoral processes and democratic institutions.

Implementation Support

In support of the implementation of these guidelines, IVADO and CEIMIA will offer training sessions for parties’ teams. They will also provide practical tools, such as a guide for marking the use of AI created by Laval University. This educational effort is designed to support the parties in navigating the complex intersection of AI technology and democratic engagement, ensuring that they are prepared to deal with the ethical implications of its use.

About IVADO and CEIMIA

IVADO is a collaborative consortium focused on establishing robust and responsible AI frameworks. With the University of Montreal at its helm, it brings together academic institutions and industry partners to create ambitious sectorial initiatives promoting significant shifts in AI adoption.

CEIMIA, based in Montreal, is an international center dedicated to the responsible development and implementation of AI technologies. As a key player in the Global Partnership on AI, it collaborates with government entities, civil society groups, and private sectors to create practical tools that foster ethical AI.

The commitment from these four political entities not only sets a precedent within Quebec but also reflects a growing recognition of the need for ethics in technology deployment within political frameworks. As the electoral landscape evolves, ensuring that AI serves the public good remains paramount for the integrity of democracy and citizen engagement.