National Times Bureau, August 31: The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) of Alberta is calling on the provincial government to establish a regulatory framework to govern the use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly as it expands rapidly into Alberta’s health-care system.
In its latest report, the OIPC noted that the “active adoption” of AI in health care is already underway. The watchdog suggested Alberta could benefit from a standalone AI law that complements existing privacy legislation, protecting residents from risks tied to the collection and use of personal and health information.
Earlier surveys conducted by the OIPC showed mixed public opinion: while some Albertans see AI’s potential, many expressed opposition to using personal health data for AI training and voiced concerns about AI-driven medical decisions. Respondents also emphasized the need for transparency whenever AI is involved in health-care outcomes.
A spokesperson for Alberta’s Ministry of Technology and Innovation confirmed the government is exploring regulatory options. Jonathan Gauthier stated that AI is a “powerful tool with transformative potential,” but acknowledged the risks of misuse. He stressed that new policies must balance innovation, public trust, privacy, and safety.
Experts say the OIPC’s report is an important first step. Dr. Blair Attard-Frost, a political science professor at the University of Alberta and fellow at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, said strong oversight is needed to safeguard confidentiality and health data. “There’s an expectation that the government will continue its precedent of strict regulation in health care when it comes to AI,” she said.
Concerns outlined in the report include the misuse of sensitive information and the lack of agreed-upon standards for anonymizing or de-identifying health data. Automated diagnostic tools, hospital resource allocation models, and AI-powered transcription services are already making their way into medical settings, underscoring the urgency for reliable safeguards.
Despite the risks, the OIPC and experts highlight AI’s potential benefits: faster diagnoses, more accurate treatment recommendations, expanded access to health-care services, and efficiency gains across the system. Attard-Frost noted that AI could help with lower-risk diagnostic and prescription services, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Federally, Canada’s regulatory approach to AI remains uncertain after the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) was shelved before the last election. In the meantime, the OIPC believes Alberta has an opportunity to lead by creating province-specific legislation.
As discussions progress, Alberta’s Ministry of Technology has pledged to work closely with the OIPC and track developments across the country. For now, experts agree the province must act quickly to balance AI’s risks and rewards in health care.
