Past Event

The 2024 Canada-US Legal Symposium | Artificial Intelligence Regulation, Governance, and Liability

October 29, 2024

High-profile advances in artificial intelligence (AI) over the past four years have raised serious legal questions about the development, integration, and use of the technology: generative AI companies are grappling with how to properly use intellectual property to train large language models; social media platforms are navigating content restrictions as new services make it easier than ever to produce deepfakes and disinformation; and governments around the world are debating the most effective way to regulate AI. Canada and the United States, longtime leaders in innovation and hubs for some of the world's top AI companies, are poised to lead in developing a model for responsible AI policy.

The annual Canada-US Legal Issues Symposium is the Canada Institute's flagship legal initiative. Every year, the Symposium brings together legal scholars, experts, and practitioners from both countries to discuss an issue at the forefront of bilateral policy debate. To watch last year's program on economic sanctions, click here.

This event was co-organized with the Science, Technology, and Innovation Program and the Canada-US Law Institute.

PROGRAM

9:30am | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Senior members of the Wilson Center and the Canada-US Law Institute will open the Symposium and outline the goals for the program.
- Ambassador Mark A. Green, President & CEO, The Wilson Center
- Stephen Petras, United States National Director, Canada-US Law Institute
9:40am | Fireside Chat: AI in Canda and the United States
This stage-setting fireside chat will delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in Canada and the United States. It will cover the innovative advancements both nations are making in AI research and development, as well as the ethical considerations that accompany these technologies.
- Mark Schaan, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Artificial Intelligence)
- Elham Tabassi, Associate Director for Emerging Technologies, Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Christopher Sands (Moderator): Director, Canada Institute, The Wilson Center
10:30am | Panel I: Intellectual Property, Copyright, and AI
As artificial intelligence continues to transform creative industries, the intersection of copyright and intellectual property (IP) law presents both challenges and opportunities. This panel will explore key issues surrounding AI-generated content, including ownership rights, fair use, and the implications for traditional IP frameworks.
- Stephen D. Burns, Partner, Trademark Agent, and Co-Head of Innovation, Technology & Branding Practice, Bennett Jones LLP
- Jamie Simpson, Chief Policy Officer and Counsel, C4IP (Council for Innovation Promotion)
- Heather West, Senior Director of Cybersecurity and Privacy Services, Venable LLP
- Steven Paille (Moderator), Program Director, Canada-US Law Institute
12:00pm | Panel II: Disinformation, Deepfakes, and the Law
In an era where deepfake technology and disinformation campaigns are increasingly prevalent, understanding the legal implications has never been more critical. This panel will examine the challenges posed by synthetic media, including issues of authenticity, privacy, and the potential for harm.
- Olga Belogolova, Director, Emerging Technologies Initiative, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
- Maura R. Grossman, Research Professor, Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo
- Suzanne Nossel, Chief Executive Officer, PEN America; Member, the Oversight Board
- Paul Rose (Moderator), Dean, School of Law, Case Western Reserve University
1:00pm | Panel III: Regulatory Frameworks from Subnational to Multinational
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integral to society, the need for effective regulation has never been more urgent. This panel will delve into the diverse approaches to AI governance at subnational, national, and multinational levels.
- Marc-Etienne Ouimette, Global Lead, AI Policy, Amazon Web Services
- Kate Purchase, Senior Director, International AI Governance, Microsoft
- Kellee Wicker, Director, Science and Technology Innovation Program, The Wilson Center
- Xavier Delgado (Moderator), Senior Program Associate, Canada Institute, The Wilson Center;
  Research Director, Washington Forum on the Canadian Economy

Speakers

Olga Belogolova

Director, Emerging Technologies Initiative, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies

Stephen D. Burns

Partner, Trademark Agent, and Co-Head of Innovation, Technology & Branding Practice, Bennett Jones LLP

Xavier Delgado

Senior Program Associate, Canada Institute;
Research Director, Washington Forum on the Canadian Economy

Schedule interview

Ambassador Mark A. Green

President & CEO, Wilson Center

Schedule interview

Maura R. Grossman

Research Professor, Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo

Suzanne Nossel

Chief Executive Officer, PEN America; Member, the Oversight Board

Marc-Etienne Ouimette

Global Lead, AI Policy, Amazon Web Services

Steven Paille

Program Director, Canada-US Law Institute

Stephen J. Petras, Jr.

Director of the Cox International Law Center of Case Western Reserve University School of Law and United States National Director of the Canada - United States Law Institute and Chair of the Council of the Great Lakes Region.

Kate Purchase

Senior Director, International AI Governance, Microsoft

Paul Rose

Dean, School of Law, Case Western Reserve University

Christopher Sands

Director, Canada Institute

Schedule interview

Mark Schaan

Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Artificial Intelligence)

Jamie Simpson

Chief Policy Officer and Counsel, C4IP (Council for Innovation Promotion)

Elham Tabassi

Associate Director for Emerging Technologies, Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology

Heather West

Senior Director of Cybersecurity and Privacy Services, Venable LLP

Kellee Wicker

Director, Science and Technology Innovation Program

Hosted By

Canada Institute

The mission of the Wilson Center's Canada Institute is to raise the level of knowledge of Canada in the United States, particularly within the Washington, DC policy community.  Research projects, initiatives, podcasts, and publications cover contemporary Canada, US-Canadian relations, North American political economy, and Canada's global role as it intersects with US national interests. Read more

Science and Technology Innovation Program

The Science and Technology Innovation Program (STIP) serves as the bridge between technologists, policymakers, industry, and global stakeholders. Read more

The 2024 Canada-US Legal Symposium | Artificial Intelligence Regulation, Governance, and Liability

Event Sponsors

Event Co-Sponsors

PROGRAM

Speakers

Hosted By

Canada Institute

Science and Technology Innovation Program