Vancouver Mayor Clarifies AI Role in Municipal Decisions Amid Backlash

The mayor of the Canadian city of Vancouver, Ken Sim, has clarified that artificial intelligence systems are not used to make municipal decisions after remarks about digital assistants handling parts of his workload sparked debate online, local media reported. The backlash began after Sim told a technology conference earlier this week that he has “11 AI agents” running “a lot” of his work “in the background.” Critics, including mayoral challenger Kareem Allam, questioned how sensitive information is handled and warned of potential data leaks linked to third-party AI services. On Wednesday, Sim clarified that AI tools are not being used to make policy or governance decisions at Vancouver City Hall, adding that the technology is mainly used for administrative support, research, and productivity tasks. He explained the systems help him scan news, follow financial and global events, and manage diet planning. Sim’s comments about using AI agents came as Canada’s federal government announced plans to support the construction of two new AI data centers in Vancouver. Ottawa has spent more than CAD$800 million (over US$580 million) on AI-related technologies and services over the past three years, Canada’s National Observer reported this week. The episode comes as governments worldwide increasingly adopt AI systems for administrative work, data analysis, and public services, arguing the technology can improve efficiency and reduce costs. Countries such as Singapore and the UAE have integrated the technology into government operations, while Albania last year appointed an AI-generated ‘minister’ to oversee parts of its public procurement system. At the same time, concerns have intensified over AI-related risks, including misinformation, cyberattacks, privacy violations, criminal misuse, job displacement, mental health effects, and the growing role of automated systems in critical decision-making.