In an ambitious move to bolster the representation of Quebec’s unique cultural and linguistic landscape in artificial intelligence systems, the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) has initiated plans to establish a comprehensive database of cultural and governmental content. This effort, which aims to improve AI’s grasp of Quebec society, including Indigenous languages, follows a feasibility study completed earlier this year and marks the beginning of an experimental phase for the project.
Addressing Data Gaps in AI
BAnQ’s project is a response to growing concerns regarding the inadequacies of existing generative AI systems, which often fail to provide accurate information about Quebec’s society and culture due to a dearth of relevant data. Valérie D’Amour, who spearheaded the feasibility study, expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential. “All scenarios are a little bit on the table right now,” she stated. “We have a lot of ideas and we want to validate the possibilities with cultural stakeholders, as well as with data owners and providers, who will be involved in the discussions.”
The proposed platform is designed to ensure that AI systems more accurately reflect the nuances of Quebec culture. Marie Grégoire, BAnQ’s president and CEO, highlighted the importance of incorporating Quebec-specific references in both small and large AI models, whether derived from academic research or the business sector.
A Model for Cultural Sustainability
As BAnQ embarks on this venture, it plans to begin with its own collections before expanding to include data from additional sources. The inspiration for this initiative stems from recommendations made in a 2024 report by Quebec’s innovation council, which underscored the limited availability of Quebec-related data in AI training datasets.
Destiny Tchéhouali, co-holder of a research chair focused on French-language AI at the Université du Québec à Montréal, pointed out that Quebec’s cultural contributions are underrepresented in current AI corpora. “We run the risk of reproducing linguistic biases and cultural biases,” he warned, noting that Indigenous peoples face even greater risks. Tchéhouali emphasised that the proposed database would serve as “strategic infrastructure” to help identify, catalogue, and track local content within AI systems.
Navigating Copyright Concerns
As discussions progress, copyright issues have emerged as a significant concern for the cultural sector. However, Grégoire believes that the proposed database could provide creators with better protection than the existing framework. She remarked, “Right now, it’s a bit like the Wild West. Data is being harvested for free, and that should not be the case.”
The database could act as a centralised platform to facilitate fair compensation for creators whose works are utilised in AI training. By collaborating, cultural organisations can enhance their bargaining power, ensuring that creators are adequately remunerated and that the sector remains viable.
Despite these promising developments, some artists express apprehension about contributing their work to AI training systems. Maxime Harvey, a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Scientific Research, noted, “Even if artists earn income from it, they are still feeding the beast that will eventually be used to replace contracts they may lose because of AI.” This sentiment reflects broader anxieties within the creative community about the implications of AI on their livelihoods.
Project Timeline and Funding
The feasibility study envisions the platform becoming operational by 2029, although D’Amour acknowledged that this timeline would be reassessed after the experimental phase. The projected budget for the initiative amounts to nearly $10.5 million over five years, which encompasses both operating and capital costs. The Quebec government has allocated $340,000 for the feasibility study and an additional $750,000 to support the project’s 12-month experimentation phase.
Why it Matters
This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and representative AI landscape in Quebec. By prioritising local content and cultural nuances, BAnQ aims to mitigate the risks of bias in AI systems while empowering creators and safeguarding their rights. As AI continues to evolve, ensuring that it reflects the diversity of Quebec’s society is not only beneficial for technology but critical for preserving the province’s rich cultural heritage.
