Quebec’s cultural landscape is set to gain a significant boost as the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) embarks on an ambitious project to create a comprehensive database aimed at enriching artificial intelligence (AI) systems with local cultural and governmental content. The initiative, which has now entered its experimental phase, seeks to tackle the pervasive issue of AI’s limited knowledge about Quebec society, culture, and Indigenous languages, a problem highlighted in a recent feasibility study.
A Strategic Move for Cultural Representation
BAnQ has launched its project following a feasibility study completed earlier this year, which examined the need for a databank tailored to the unique aspects of Quebec’s identity. According to Valérie D’Amour, who oversaw the study, “All scenarios are a little bit on the table right now.” This statement reflects the openness of BAnQ to explore various avenues in collaboration with cultural stakeholders and data providers, ensuring that the project is inclusive and representative of Quebec’s diverse society.
This initiative aligns with a broader trend observed in countries such as Sweden, where substantial collections of Nordic-language texts have been assembled to bolster the development of generative AI models. However, BAnQ intends to start with its own archival collections, before considering contributions from external sources.
Bridging the Data Gap
The necessity for this databank stems from a recommendation made by Quebec’s innovation council in a report published in 2024. The report pointed out the “very small quantity of data on Quebec” currently available in AI training datasets, which significantly hampers the ability of generative AI systems to accurately reflect the province’s culture and economy. Destiny Tchéhouali, a researcher focusing on French-language AI, emphasised this concern, noting that “Quebec culture remains underrepresented in the corpora currently circulating in the AI world.”
He further warned of the risks associated with existing biases in AI systems, particularly regarding Indigenous peoples. Tchéhouali described the proposed database as “strategic infrastructure” that could help establish standards for how local content is catalogued and managed within AI frameworks.
Addressing Copyright Concerns
As BAnQ progresses with the development of this databank, copyright issues have surfaced as a significant concern within the cultural sector. However, Marie Grégoire, BAnQ’s president and CEO, believes that the platform could offer creators enhanced protection compared to the current landscape, which she likened to a “Wild West” scenario where data is harvested without compensation.
Grégoire argued that the new system could serve as a centralised gateway, facilitating fair compensation for creators whose works are utilised. This collective approach, she asserts, would help ensure the sustainability of Quebec’s cultural sector in the long run.
Despite these assurances, some artists remain apprehensive about how their contributions might ultimately impact their livelihoods. Maxime Harvey, a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Scientific Research, expressed the prevailing concern that even if artists receive compensation, they may inadvertently contribute to a system that could replace their work, stating, “the main criticism we hear in the field is that… they are still feeding the beast that will eventually be used to replace contracts.”
Project Timeline and Funding
The feasibility study outlines an ambitious timeline, with the platform projected to be operational by 2029. However, D’Amour indicated that this schedule would be reassessed as the experimental phase unfolds. The estimated budget for the next five years stands at nearly $10.5 million, covering both operational and capital costs. To support this initiative, BAnQ has secured $340,000 from the Quebec government for the feasibility study, alongside an additional $750,000 for the upcoming 12-month experimentation phase.
Why it Matters
The establishment of this databank represents a pivotal step towards ensuring that Quebec’s rich cultural heritage is accurately represented within AI systems. As technology continues to evolve, the need for diverse and inclusive data becomes increasingly pressing. By prioritising local content, BAnQ aims not only to safeguard Quebec’s cultural identity but also to set a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide. This project could redefine how AI interacts with local cultures, ultimately leading to a more equitable digital landscape.
