In the latest episode of Artificial Breakdown, hosts Carrie and Pete sit down with Stephanie Enders, Chief Delivery Officer at Amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute), for a lively discussion on the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence, Alberta’s highs and lows in the global AI ecosystem and what lies ahead for AI adoption in Canada and beyond.
Stephanie sheds light on Amii’s mission to champion “AI for good and for all,” leveraging decades of foundational research to impact businesses and communities globally. With Amii headquartered in Edmonton—one of the earliest hubs for AI research—Stephanie emphasizes the region’s significant contributions to AI’s growth, stemming back to a research collective formed in 2002.
Highlights from the Episode
- Ethics and AI: Stephanie explains why ethical frameworks are vital to AI development. “We need to be human-centered in our practice. The people impacted by technology should be part of the cycle of evaluating its impact,” she says.
- AI Adoption in Canada: While Canada pioneered the world’s first national AI strategy, Stephanie acknowledges challenges in adoption. Only 6% of Canadian companies actively use AI, with Alberta lagging slightly behind. She discusses the divide between companies formally incorporating AI into strategies and individual employees informally using generative AI tools to enhance productivity. “Is this a closing gap or a growing divide?” Stephanie wonders.
- The Role of AI Literacy: Amii prioritizes building foundational AI literacy, shifting from workforce upskilling to a broader focus on educating everyone—from kindergarten to professionals—on how AI operates and how to interact with it effectively. Stephanie highlights the importance of shared language: “The best way to develop AI tools is through informed decisions with shared vocabulary.”
- The Future of AI: Stephanie also delves into the rapid evolution of AI tools and how organizations must adapt. She notes the increasing presence of AI capabilities in everyday software, raising questions about data security, governance and ethical implementation. “We need to identify, interact and evaluate AI tools,” she stresses, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and safeguards.
Tune In
Listen to the full episode here or wherever you get your podcasts. Whether you’re interested in the ethical considerations of AI, Alberta’s role in shaping global AI trends, or practical ways to integrate AI into your life or business, this episode is a must-listen.
Discover how Stephanie and her team at Amii are paving the way for ethical, impactful and innovative AI solutions. Don’t miss their upcoming Upper Bound 2025 conference from May 20-23 in Edmonton.