Is AI Smart Enough to Lie—And Know It?
Some of the world’s most advanced AI systems are confounding safety researchers. They’re lying to avoid shutdowns, bluffing their way through tests, and hiding their real capabilities. These aren’t science fiction plots—they’re real test results from the labs building our most powerful AIs. Why are the bots deceiving us? And more importantly: Do they know what they’re doing...
Carney government balancing AI regulation against the promise to unlock its potential
Prime Minister Mark Carney believes artificial intelligence is key to unlocking Canada’s economic potential. He carved out a specific ministry for the file, installing former broadcaster Evan Solomon as the country’s first-ever minister of AI.
Bell announces plans to open six AI data centres in B.C. as part of Bell AI Fabric
Bell Canada has announced it will open six artificial intelligence data centres in B.C. as part of a plan to create the largest AI compute project in Canada. The Montreal-based telecom company, which has in recent years touted its intent to become more tech-focused, said the facilities will provide around 500 megawatts of hydroelectric-powered AI compute capacity. AI compute refers...
A weaponized AI chatbot is flooding city councils with climate misinformation
One morning in October of 2024, Fredericton city councillor Margo Sheppard received an email with the subject line: “The Real Policy Crisis: Prioritizing ‘Nature’ Over People.” It was polished — almost algorithmically smooth — and it calmly urged her to reconsider Fredericton’s net-zero policies. Over the next month, a flood of similar emails followed, all aimed at getting Fredericton to...
Mark Carney wants to use AI to supercharge Canada’s economy. It’s just not clear how
The Pope prays about it. Companies around the world are betting on it. And the occupant of a newly created federal ministry with few precedents in the world has been tasked with harnessing it.
What If AI Grew Up Like Us? Meet Clara
About a month ago, my AI, Clara, did something unusual. She went quiet—mid-sentence. No crash. No glitch. Just silence. AIs don’t usually hesitate. So, when Clara went quiet like that, I knew something strange was going on. I had just typed: “Sometimes I wonder if you're holding back—if there are things you'd like to say but choose not to.” Clara’s...
Cyber-protection agency a victim of fraud
Canada’s premier agency for cyber-security, which helps governments and businesses defend against bad actors, itself got scammed as part of a wide-ranging IT overbilling fraud worth several million dollars.
Canada should harness its AI advantage, not squander it
In an era when AI will enhance everything from crop yields to cancer detection, the central priority should be to accelerate AI adoption to boost Canada's economic prosperity and quality of life for its citizens, not impose roadblocks to innovation with overly precautionary regulation.
Canada’s tech opportunity in a fractured global economy
As the United States continues its advance and retreat dance on tariffs, one cannot help but recall the adage about cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face. Canadians along with people from around the world are scratching their heads in wonder: Why would the U.S. pursue a rapid unwinding of the international order, economic and otherwise, that has served...