In a significant move to enhance the representation of Quebec’s diverse society and Indigenous languages within artificial intelligence (AI) systems, the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) has initiated plans to create a comprehensive database of cultural and governmental content. This experimental phase, which follows a recent feasibility study, aims to address the shortcomings of major AI systems that often lack reliable data about Quebec’s unique societal fabric.
Addressing Data Gaps in AI
The motivation behind this ambitious project stems from the recognition that existing generative AI technologies frequently struggle to accurately represent Quebec’s culture, economy, and social issues due to a scarcity of relevant data. “All scenarios are a little bit on the table right now,” stated Valérie D’Amour, who spearheaded the feasibility study. The BAnQ is keen to engage with cultural stakeholders, data owners, and providers to explore the most effective strategies for implementing this initiative.
Marie Grégoire, the president and CEO of BAnQ, emphasised the importance of ensuring that AI systems authentically reflect Quebec’s society. “That means having Quebec references, whether in small models or large models, whether they come from research or from the business community,” she noted. The future platform will not serve as a public distribution channel, and strict controls will govern access to the data.
Learning from Global Practices
This undertaking is not without precedent; similar efforts have emerged internationally. In Sweden, for instance, extensive collections of Nordic-language texts have been compiled to support the development of generative AI models for Scandinavian languages. BAnQ plans to start with its own archives before considering external contributions, ensuring that the core of the database is rooted in local content.
The concept for this database emerged from recommendations in a 2024 report by Quebec’s innovation council, which highlighted the “very small quantity of data on Quebec” available in current AI training datasets. Destiny Tchéhouali, a co-holder of a Quebec-based research chair focusing on French-language AI, remarked on the underrepresentation of Quebec culture in existing AI corpora. He warned, “We run the risk of reproducing linguistic biases and cultural biases.” The proposed database aspires to be “strategic infrastructure” that will guide how local content is identified and catalogued within AI frameworks.
Navigating Copyright Concerns
As BAnQ advances its plans, copyright issues within the cultural sector have emerged as a pressing concern. However, Grégoire believes that the proposed platform could ultimately provide greater protection for creators than the current landscape. “Right now, it’s a bit like the Wild West,” she said, highlighting how data is often harvested without proper compensation for artists.
The database could serve as a central hub for ensuring that creators are duly compensated when their works are used in AI training. Grégoire argues that by collaborating, cultural organisations can better secure fair remuneration for artists and maintain the long-term sustainability of the sector. However, some creators express apprehension that contributing their work to AI systems may jeopardise their livelihoods. Maxime Harvey, a postdoctoral researcher and member of the research chair, pointed out the fear that artists may inadvertently support a system that could replace traditional contracts with AI-generated alternatives.
Future Prospects and Budget Considerations
The feasibility study suggests that the platform could become operational by 2029, although D’Amour has indicated that this timeline may be adjusted following the experimental phase. The estimated budget for the next five years stands at approximately $10.5 million, covering both operational and capital costs. BAnQ has secured $340,000 from the Quebec government for the feasibility study and an additional $750,000 to facilitate the project’s 12-month experimental phase.
Why it Matters
This initiative represents a crucial step towards ensuring that Quebec’s rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity are accurately represented in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology. By creating a dedicated database that prioritises local content, Quebec aims to mitigate the biases currently prevalent in AI systems, fostering a more inclusive digital environment. As AI continues to shape our world, projects like BAnQ’s will be vital in safeguarding cultural identities and ensuring that the voices of all communities, particularly those of Indigenous peoples, are heard and valued.
