France–Canada exchanges for strategic reflection on AI and sustainable employment

On June 16, 2025, CIRANO hosted a day of strategic roundtables on artificial intelligence, in collaboration with OBVIA, the BMO Chair in Diversity and Governance at the Université de Montréal, the Human Technology Foundation, the Fonds de recherche du Québec, and CEIMIA. Organized by these partners, the event aimed to foster collective reflection in advance of the “Governing AI for Sustainable Jobs: France–Canada Strategic Dialogue”, held the following day at CORIM.

Held throughout the day at CIRANO’s offices, the roundtables brought together dozens of guests from businesses, public organizations, and strategic sectors of the Quebec and Canadian economy, with discussions centered on four key themes: health, culture, finance, and manufacturing. These rich and constructive exchanges contributed to shaping concrete recommendations for responsible and inclusive AI governance that generates long-term value.

The roundtables were held in the presence of Mr. Guillaume Avrin, National Coordinator for Artificial Intelligence for the French Government, and Mr. Éric Salobir, Executive Chairman of the Human Technology Foundation, whose insightful contributions were particularly appreciated.

Three major questions guided the discussions across all roundtables: how to ensure good governance of advanced AI systems, how to guarantee that AI creates real added value while respecting workers’ rights and supporting professional transitions, and how to develop and use reliable human capital indicators with transparency and sustainability in mind.

The event was made possible thanks to the involvement of several key partners, including Anne-Marie Hubert (Human Technology Foundation), Tania Saba (Université de Montréal), Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin (CIRANO), Lyse Langlois and Lyne Nantel (OBVIA), Carole Jabet (Fonds de recherche du Québec), Éric Salobir (Human Technology Foundation), Guillaume Avrin (Government of France), and Sophie Fahalla (CEIMIA). CIRANO extends its sincere thanks to all contributors for their dedication and engagement in organizing this important initiative.

Several researchers, collaborators, and members of CIRANO’s Board of Directors took part in these events, including Louise Roy, Thierry Warin, Ingrid Peignier, Geneviève Dufour, Christophe Mondin, Benoit Aubert, Augustin Lefebvre et Molivann Panot.

The June 16 event also laid the groundwork for the June 17 panel at CORIM, which brought together strategic figures such as Céline Haytayan, Government AI Advisor – Government of Quebec, Tania Saba, Guillaume Avrin, Éric Salobir, and Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin, all of whom actively participated in the France–Canada dialogue on sustainable employment in the age of AI.