Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) and the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Against Racism (CILAR) hosted a fireside chat where Knockri’s CEO, Jahanzaib Ansari, was invited to speak on ‘The Role of Public and Private Sectors in Driving Ethical AI and Policy Alignment’. The event brought together senior public servants and executives to explore the intersection of policy, AI ethics and innovation.
The conversation also highlighted an often-overlooked challenge: Black leaders in innovation are frequently judged more harshly than their peers. This heightened scrutiny creates additional barriers to driving change, despite these leaders often being at the forefront of new initiatives. The discussion underscored the importance of overcoming these challenges while leveraging AI to create a more inclusive future.
Below are five key takeaways from the session:
1. Commit to ongoing learning and adaptation
Staying ahead requires continuous learning. Leaders need to upskill and adapt as policies change, ensuring their strategies align with new regulations. Frameworks like the Algorithmic Impact Assessment (AIA) and the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) are important tools that help organizations stay compliant and invest responsibly in AI. Keeping up with these standards ensures responsible AI and sustainable innovation.
2. Use Calls to Action as a catalyst for innovation
Directives such as Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service must be treated as powerful drivers of innovation. By aligning these values with technology and policy, organizations unlock new opportunities for meaningful impact. Leaders can use these frameworks to foster a workplace culture rooted in values and ethics, ensuring their organizations remain both innovative and inclusive.
3. Adopt a transparent, ethical approach to AI
AI solutions need to function as ‘glass boxes’, not ‘black boxes.’ Transparency ensures that systems are accountable, understandable, and resistant to bias. Without it, organizations risk losing trust. Building AI with clarity and openness is essential to maintaining credibility.
4. Stay apolitical in the pursuit of innovation
Driving innovation in politically charged environments requires leaders to stay focused on fairness and inclusion. The goal is to create opportunities that are accessible to everyone, without getting sidetracked by political agendas. Keeping a neutral stance ensures that innovation stays on track to serve the greater good.
5. Collaborate and learn from each other
No organization or sector has all the answers—and that’s where the real opportunity lies. By learning from other departments, agencies, or even international efforts, organizations can accelerate progress. For example, Knockri’s partnership with the Department of National Defence (DND) helped implement inclusive recruitment strategies at the department which proved to be a catalyst for change for many other departments as well.
The fireside chat was a reminder that innovation thrives at the intersection of ethics, transparency, and collaboration. Public and private sectors have a shared responsibility to ensure AI solutions are designed to be inclusive, accountable, and aligned with evolving societal values. Through collective efforts, we can build a future where technology not only drives progress but also promotes fairness and equity.
