The Registrar is on site in Toronto, covering key discussions and insights from the AI in Regulation Conference, taking place February 2–3. Co-hosted by MDR Strategy Group and Objective, the conference brings together regulators, policy leaders, and system partners to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping regulatory practice and governance.
Leading the Shift: Insights from Canada’s Regulatory Leaders brought together senior regulatory executives for a candid discussion on how artificial intelligence is being adopted inside regulatory organizations, what leaders are learning in real time, and where uncertainty remains.
Moderated by Marc Spector, Deputy Registrar at the Home Construction Regulatory Authority of Ontario, the conversation moved quickly beyond conceptual debates. Panelists spoke from direct experience, acknowledging that AI is already present across regulatory systems through staff use, licensee practice, and public-facing processes. The question facing regulators is no longer whether AI will be used, but how to respond in ways that remain aligned with public protection.
Panelists Juda Strawczynski, CEO and Registrar of the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents, Jonathan Ho, Executive Director of Operations and Deputy Registrar at the College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia, and Dr. Werner Oberholzer, Deputy Registrar at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan, reflected on their organizations’ early decisions, missteps, and adjustments as AI tools began to surface in their regulatory environments.
A consistent theme throughout the discussion was proportionality. Rather than moving immediately to detailed or prescriptive rules, panelists described anchoring their approaches in existing professional obligations, accountability, and verification practices. Lower-risk uses, such as communications drafting, environmental scans, and internal analysis, were identified as practical entry points, while higher-risk applications continue to require strong human oversight.
The panel also addressed emerging challenges regulators are already encountering, including fabricated citations, deepfakes, and AI-assisted submissions. Speakers emphasized education and verification over punishment, noting that many early issues stem from misunderstanding rather than misconduct. These moments, they suggested, offer opportunities to reinforce professional standards and expectations rather than defaulting to enforcement.
Throughout the conversation, panelists acknowledged the human dimension of AI adoption. Staff, licensees, and members of the public are approaching these tools with varying levels of comfort and concern. Clear communication, transparency about use, and support for skill development were framed as essential to maintaining trust during this transition.
The session closed with a shared recognition that there is no single roadmap for regulators. Organizations will move at different speeds, shaped by mandate, risk profile, and resources. What matters most is starting deliberately, learning as conditions change, and staying focused on public interest outcomes as artificial intelligence continues to evolve.
