AI and GenAI Use at the District of Squamish

The District of Squamish recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Generative AI (GenAI), can enhance operational efficiency, support evidence-based decision-making, improve communications, and strengthen service delivery.

At the same time, AI introduces risks related to privacy, security, accuracy, bias, intellectual property, records management, legal compliance, and public trust.
 
The District is committed to the responsible, ethical, secure, and transparent use of AI. District use of AI benefits the public, minimizes risks, and meets all applicable legislative and organizational obligations.

The following fundamental guiding principles reflect the District’s commitment to the use of AI:

1. Responsible Use
   
   The District is committed to the responsible use of AI in compliance with all applicable District policies, procedures and guidelines. The District maintains appropriate governance, oversight and monitoring. It will continue to adapt as AI technology and related legislation evolve.
   
   AI is used as a support tool and does not replace independent analysis and professional judgment. All AI-generated output and content must be reviewed and verified. The District remains accountable for all work products and decisions, and must be able to demonstrate how decisions are made.
   
   
2. Ethical Use
   
   The District is committed to the ethical use of AI, including fairness and equity. District use of AI respects fundamental rights and freedoms and must not create or reproduce discriminatory, biased, or inequitable treatments or outcomes.
   
   District use of AI complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
   
   
3. Secure Use
   
   The District is committed to protecting personal information, including sensitive personal information, as well as confidential information at all times. Personal information is collected, used and disclosed by the District in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).
   
   The District ensures that appropriate privacy and security safeguards are in place and that risks are effectively mitigated.
   
   The District will conduct audits on the use of AI on an as-needed basis, in cases including but not limited to: 
   • • Where a procedural fairness complaint has been made
     • An FOI request has been received
     • Privacy issues
     • Security issues
     • To ensure compliance and protect District data and legal obligations
4. Transparent Use
   
   The District is committed to using AI in a manner that enhances operational efficiency and service delivery while maintaining public trust and confidence. The use of AI tools is governed by the District’s AI policy which dictates that AI is to be used in ways that respect procedural fairness and do not compromise impartiality, fairness, or transparency in decision-making.
   
   
5. Acceptable Uses of AI
   
   Examples of how AI is used in District processes include: 
   • • Improving clarity, grammar, and readability
     • Summarizing meetings and documents
     • Research and information summarization
     • Workflow improvement and assistance in project planning
     • Data analysis support
     • Generating ideas and outlines
     • Integrating data into reports
6.  Approved AI Tool
   
   Microsoft Copilot has been approved by the District as a support tool for District business purposes, after privacy and security review.

Contact Information

For questions, please contact the Corporate Officer at [email protected].