AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our lifetime. It’s already helping organizations improve productivity, ensure better service delivery, and drive accurate decision-making, all while saving money and enhancing workforce confidence.

But how can AI technology be scaled to realize its full potential safely and securely? At IBM, we know how to achieve results and navigate AI transformation because we have done it ourselves. In doing so, we’ve cut overhead costs and created new jobs that allow existing employees to acquire a whole new technical skillset, supported through our AI upskilling strategy.

As “client zero,” we have used our Trusted AI platform watsonx to optimize operations in finance, legal, HR, and beyond.

By testing and refining our tools within IBM, we ensure they deliver real-world results that government agencies can trust.

One of our most impressive projects is AskHR, an AI-powered human resources digital assistant that automates repetitive tasks so that our human resources team can focus on other high-value work.

Since it was introduced, AskHR has had 10.1 million interactions, automated 765,000 tasks, and handled 94 per cent of HR-related employee inquiries.

Implementing AskHR reduced the human resources operating budget all while creating new internal HR jobs at IBM to help implement and maintain the platform. AI automation doesn’t replace a specific worker, but instead does certain tasks more efficiently allowing that worker to increase productivity elsewhere.

Not only has IBM adopted AI automation, but we have also launched an internal governance model to ensure AI output is accurate, secure, and ethical. If a use case does not meet IBM’s strict ethical guidelines, our governance board does not hesitate to reject applications to adopt specific AI models for internal processes.

Building a more sustainable organization requires strong partnerships and a shared vision. At IBM, we lead by example and work with clients to make that vision a reality.

Imagine what this transformation could mean for the public service. Productivity would increase, enabling better service delivery to internal clients and allowing leaders to allocate resources to other administrative priorities. By adopting an AI governance standard, the government could automate internal administrative services and processes to the benefit of the Government of Canada, public servants, and taxpayers.