Quebec’s Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) is embarking on an ambitious project aimed at developing a comprehensive database to enrich artificial intelligence systems with insights into the province’s diverse culture, society, and Indigenous languages. Following a recent feasibility study, BAnQ has entered the experimental phase of this initiative, which responds to a growing concern about the inadequacy of existing AI models in accurately representing Quebec’s unique cultural landscape.
Addressing Cultural Gaps in AI
The initiative seeks to tackle the significant underrepresentation of Quebec-related data in generative AI systems. Valérie D’Amour, who led the feasibility study, stated, “All scenarios are a little bit on the table right now. 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 aim is to create a databank that can facilitate a deeper understanding of Quebec’s societal nuances, thereby allowing AI systems to produce more reliable and contextually accurate information.
Marie Grégoire, president and CEO of BAnQ, highlighted the need for AI models to include Quebec references, whether they originate from research or commercial sectors. “That means having Quebec references, whether in small models or large models,” she noted. This project mirrors similar efforts seen in other countries, such as Sweden, where collections of Nordic-language texts have been compiled to enhance AI models for Scandinavian languages.
Strategic Infrastructure for Local Content
The concept for this database emerged from recommendations made by Quebec’s innovation council in a 2024 report, which identified the lack of data on Quebec as a critical issue for AI training. Destiny Tchéhouali, co-holder of a research chair focused on French-language AI at Université du Québec à Montréal, emphasised that Quebec culture is currently “underrepresented in the corpora circulating in the AI world.” He warned that failing to address this imbalance risks perpetuating linguistic and cultural biases, particularly concerning Indigenous peoples.
Tchéhouali views the proposed database as “strategic infrastructure” that could guide how local content is identified, catalogued, and integrated into contemporary AI systems. This approach aims to ensure that Quebec’s rich cultural heritage is not only preserved but also accurately reflected in technological advancements.
Copyright Concerns and Creator Protection
As BAnQ progresses with its plans, discussions around copyright and the protection of creators’ rights have surfaced as pivotal issues. Grégoire contended that the new platform could provide better safeguards for creators compared to the current state of affairs, which she described as “the Wild West” in terms of data usage. “Data is being harvested for free, and that should not be the case,” she remarked, advocating for a more structured approach that benefits artists.
By establishing a centralised databank, BAnQ aims to streamline the compensation process for creators whose works are utilised in AI training. However, some artists remain apprehensive. Maxime Harvey, a postdoctoral researcher, expressed concerns that contributing their work to AI could jeopardise their livelihoods. “Even if artists earn income from it, they are still feeding the beast that will eventually replace contracts they may lose because of AI,” he cautioned.
Future Outlook and Funding
The feasibility study outlines a vision for the platform to become operational by 2029, though D’Amour indicated that this timeline will be reassessed following the experimental phase. The project is estimated to require a budget of nearly $10.5 million over five years, which includes both operational and capital expenses. To date, BAnQ has secured $340,000 from the Quebec government for the feasibility study, along with an additional $750,000 for the upcoming 12-month experimental phase.
Why it Matters
This initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring that Quebec’s cultural identity is adequately represented in the digital age. As AI continues to play an increasingly pivotal role in various sectors, it is essential that the systems driving these technologies reflect the diversity and richness of the societies they serve. By investing in this databank, Quebec not only aims to protect its cultural heritage but also to influence how AI will evolve, ensuring that it serves as a tool for inclusivity and representation rather than a mechanism that perpetuates existing biases.
