Human Resources committee  When it comes to consent, it's important to know what information is being collected about workers. Employees can't really give their consent when employers aren't transparent and don't disclose the data they are collecting. Employers should be required to disclose the data they are collecting.

Human Resources committee  Yes, without a doubt. Transparency is really the key to instilling confidence in the public and workers. Without transparency, it's going to be extremely difficult to get society to accept the implementation of AI in the workplace.

Human Resources committee  Yes, employers should retrain employees and give them a chance to move to another position within the company. They can't just let workers end up jobless. Ultimately, society will have to take care of those people who are out of work. Employers have a duty to their employees. It's not okay to toss employees aside to reap the advantages of new technologies while society pays the price.

Human Resources committee  Yes, we have to make sure the law is clearly defined before we go full steam ahead with AI. Otherwise, workers' rights could be violated until the legislation comes into force.

Human Resources committee  It's important to have clear laws that define the responsibilities around the use of AI. That will ensure that even non-unionized workers are protected.

Human Resources committee  Precisely. Labour laws and the Labour Code have to be adapted to address new technologies.

Human Resources committee  It's important to see the technologies as tools, not a way to replace humans and the work they do. The technologies absolutely mustn't put the health and safety of workers at risk. Everything has to be laid out clearly, including straightforward and publicly available remedies in case the system fails.

Human Resources committee  I'm going to let Ms. Blais answer that.

Human Resources committee  Mr. Chair and committee members, thank you for inviting us. My name is Danick Soucy, and I am the political representative of the Committee on New Technology, Quebec division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, CUPE for short. CUPE Quebec's Committee on New Technology is attempting to gain a better understanding of emerging technologies that could impact the work of our members, including artificial intelligence, or AI.