Third Review of the Directive on Automated Decision-Making

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) is undertaking a review of the Directive on Automated Decision-Making. The review takes stock of the current state of the directive and identifies risks and challenges to the government’s commitment to responsible AI in the federal public sector. These issues highlight critical gaps that limit the directive’s relevance and effectiveness in supporting transparency, accountability, and fairness in automated decision-making. They also identify problems with terminology, feasibility, and coherence with other federal policy instruments.

As part of the review, we are proposing a series of policy recommendations and accompanying amendments to the directive. The recommendations would help ensure that automated decision systems impacting federal public servants are fair and inclusive; reinforce transparency and accountability; strengthen protections against discrimination and harm; and clarify requirements and support operational needs.

TBS is engaging with a broad range of stakeholders during this process, including in academia, civil society, other governments, and international organizations. Stakeholders are invited to review and provide comments on the consultation materials below. A What We Heard Report summarizing the outcomes of previous stakeholder engagements is available for reference.

Consultation materials

• Key issues, policy recommendations, and proposed amendments [link to be added]
• One-page overview of policy recommendations [link to be added]

Reference materials

• What We Heard Report (phase 1 of stakeholder engagement) [link to be added]
• Report on the third review of the Directive on Automated Decision-Making [link to be added]