Four of Quebec's leading political parties announced on August 24, 2026 that they will adhere to a newly established code of conduct governing the use of artificial intelligence in election campaigns. The Parti libéral du Québec, Coalition avenir Québec, Parti québécois and Québec solidaire all signed the agreement, signaling a coordinated effort to manage AI tools during the upcoming electoral period.
The code of conduct is intended to provide clear guidelines for responsible AI deployment in activities such as voter outreach, content creation, and data analysis. It outlines standards for transparency, data privacy, and the avoidance of misinformation, aiming to ensure that AI technologies are employed in a manner consistent with democratic principles.
Catherine Régis, representing the Institute for Data Valorisation (IVADO), played a key role in shaping the framework. IVADO, a research institute focused on data science and artificial intelligence, contributed expertise on best practices and ethical considerations. Régis emphasized the importance of establishing boundaries for AI use to preserve public trust and maintain a level playing field among parties.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns worldwide about the influence of AI-generated content on political discourse. By adopting a shared set of rules, the Quebec parties seek to preempt potential abuses and demonstrate a proactive stance on emerging technologies. The code also includes mechanisms for monitoring compliance and addressing violations, though specific enforcement procedures were not disclosed.
Observers note that the agreement reflects a broader trend of political actors confronting the challenges posed by rapid AI advancement. While the parties have not detailed how the code will affect individual campaign strategies, the commitment suggests a willingness to integrate AI responsibly while safeguarding electoral integrity.
The adoption of the AI election code of conduct marks a coordinated step by Quebec's major parties to align their campaign practices with evolving technological standards, setting a precedent for future elections across Canada.