Canada Launches a Public AI Register
What This Means for SMB Leaders and Founders
On November 28, 2025, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) published the federal government’s first public Register of AI Uses. The register lists more than 400 AI systems across 42 federal institutions. It includes active tools, pilot projects, research initiatives, chatbots, automation systems, analytics models, and more.
The register provides descriptions for each system, its purpose, whether it was built internally or by a vendor, and the type of problem it is designed to solve. This is part of a wider effort to modernize digital services, increase transparency, and improve coordination across government.
This is an important milestone for Canada. It shows that AI is no longer treated as a niche technical project. It is being treated as an operational asset that requires governance, documentation, and public visibility.
Why This Matters for Transparency and Trust
Transparency creates trust. When organizations openly share where and how AI is used, they reduce fear and misunderstanding. People can see which systems exist, what they do, and what risks or benefits they create.
A public register also reduces duplication. If departments know what other teams are already using, they can avoid rebuilding the same thing. This leads to better planning and smarter investment.
The lesson for private companies is simple. When AI becomes core to how you operate, hiding it in scattered teams or shadow projects creates waste and risk. A clear inventory supports better governance and better results.
Lessons for SMBs and Growing Companies
The federal approach offers several practical ideas that any SMB or founder can apply.
1. Create an AI Inventory
This can be as simple as a spreadsheet. The goal is to list every AI, automation, or advanced analytics tool your business is using. Include purpose, vendor or internal owner, and the business outcome the tool supports. This helps you stay organized and prevents tools from being forgotten or misused.
2. Define Intent Before Deployment
Before starting any AI tool or workflow, document why you are doing it. Capture the problem it solves, the expected value, and who owns it. This takes only a few minutes but saves time and money later.
3. Review and Retire Unused Tools
Technology accumulates quickly. Schedule periodic reviews to evaluate what is still needed, what is providing value, and what should be replaced or removed. This reduces monthly costs and keeps your stack simple and effective.
4. Align AI With Privacy and Ethics
Customers and employees care about how their data is used. Creating a simple internal guideline on responsible AI use can build confidence and reduce risk. It also prepares your organization for future regulations.
These steps are small, but they create a powerful foundation for scaling AI in a safe and efficient way.
How This Connects to Global Standards
The new Canadian register aligns with concepts already seen in the EU AI Act. The EU emphasizes documentation, logging, risk classification, traceability, and transparency for AI systems. While Canada has not adopted the EU framework directly, both approaches reflect the same trend.
Organizations of all sizes are expected to show how AI is used, how it is governed, and how risks are managed. An internal AI inventory is often the first step in that journey.
Key Takeaways
For the SMB leaders, founders, and executives in our community, this announcement is a signal. AI is moving from experimentation into structured operations. Governments and large enterprises are adopting practices that help them scale responsibly. Smaller organizations can benefit from applying the same discipline early.
Now is an excellent time to:
Audit your current AI and automation tools
Create a simple inventory of use cases
Document business goals and risks
Build a lightweight governance process that fits your size
These steps do not slow you down. They help you scale faster, reduce cost, and build credibility with customers and partners.
At NorthBound Advisory, we help organizations map their existing AI landscape, build simple and effective governance structures, and create clear roadmaps that translate AI into real business value.
If your team wants to get ahead of evolving standards and build a scalable AI foundation, now is the time to act. We would be happy to guide you through the process step by step.
