Louise Arbour warned that artificial intelligence poses risks of misinformation and the blurring of truth during her inaugural address as Governor General of Canada.
The warnings highlight the growing tension between rapid technological advancement and the preservation of societal trust. As AI integrates into daily life, the ability to distinguish factual information from generated falsehoods becomes a critical challenge for national stability.
Arbour, a former Supreme Court justice, delivered the speech on June 24, 2024 [2], at the Senate Chamber in Ottawa’s Parliament Buildings. Now serving as the 31st Governor General of Canada [1], she emphasized that the speed of AI evolution could undermine individual agency.
"AI could be threatening not only the way we live and work, but also the control we exercise over our own destiny," Arbour said.
She urged the public and policymakers to maintain vigilance, noting that the technology's potential to spread misinformation threatens the foundations of trust. Arbour said that trust in each other, and in institutions, is essential in the age of AI.
Beyond the risks of falsehoods, the Governor General focused on the socioeconomic impact of the digital divide. She noted that the pace of change could alienate certain demographics if safeguards are not implemented.
"We must ensure that young people are not left behind by the rapid pace of technological change," Arbour said.
Her address marks a pivot toward addressing digital ethics from the highest ceremonial office in the country. By framing AI as a threat to the "control we exercise over our own destiny," Arbour positioned the technology not merely as a tool for efficiency, but as a societal risk requiring active oversight.
“AI could be threatening not only the way we live and work, but also the control we exercise over our own destiny.”
The Governor General's focus on AI during an installation ceremony signals that Canada views technological misinformation as a primary threat to national unity and institutional trust. By linking AI risks to the vulnerability of young people and the erosion of truth, the office is prioritizing the human and ethical dimensions of technology over mere economic growth.
