Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a major change that will likely influence organization of work, professional practice, and healthcare professionals’ practice conditions.  As such, the FIQ demands an active participation at every stage of the AI systems’ lifecycle. Healthcare professionals should be consulted during the design, deployment, evaluation and improvement of AI systems, in particular through their union representatives. 

It was in this context that the Federal Council delegates adopted the guiding principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) for the benefit of healthcare professionals and  patients. 

The FIQ believes that the deployment and responsible use of AI involves: 

1. Guaranteeing professional autonomy and preserving clinical judgment 
2. Protecting patients’ rights and ensuring the role of advocacy 
3. Promoting inclusion, equity and non-discrimination 
4. Protecting transparency and ensuring confidentiality 
5. Implementing a participative process 
6. Promoting environmental and socioeconomic ethics 

By adopting these principles, the Federation establishes guidelines that will enable it to continue its analysis of the deployment of AI within the health and social services network, within a framework that remains true to its union values and has been adopted democratically. 

The FIQ believes that only by ensuring the responsible and ethical deployment and use of AI can it truly serve healthcare professionals and patients, rather than becoming a tool for control, surveillance or cost-cutting at the expense of high-quality, humane care.