Canada's national AI strategy is optimistic, overdue, and built on a premise Vass Bednar says is materially incorrect: that low public trust in AI is a literacy problem that more access will fix.

Bednar argues trust is low because the product came to market too early, makes promises it cannot keep, and operates without the kind of regulation that makes people trust an airplane without needing a physics degree. Meanwhile, Starbucks and Pizza Pizza have already pulled back algorithmic management of their supply chains because of errors. Canadian firms are reporting the productivity gains were not delivered.

The strategy also foreshadows something significant: Prime Minister Carney named surveillance pricing from the podium, an acknowledgement that algorithmic systems are being used to charge individuals different prices based on data collected about them. That conversation is just beginning.

Topics: Canada AI strategy, AI public trust, surveillance pricing, data centers Canada, AI sovereignty

GUEST: Vass Bednar | http://cigionline.org/people/vasiliki-vass-bednar

RUNDOWN: Originally aired on 2026-06-05

Canada's national AI strategy is optimistic, overdue, and built on a premise Vass Bednar says is materially incorrect: that low public trust in AI is a literacy problem that more access will fix.
Bednar argues trust is low because the product came to market too early, makes promises it cannot keep, and operates without the kind of regulation that makes people trust an airplane without needing a physics degree. Meanwhile, Starbucks and Pizza Pizza have already pulled back algorithmic management of their supply chains because of errors. Canadian firms are reporting the productivity gains were not delivered.
The strategy also foreshadows something significant: Prime Minister Carney named surveillance pricing from the podium, an acknowledgement that algorithmic systems are being used to charge individuals different prices based on data collected about them. That conversation is just beginning.
Topics: Canada AI strategy, AI public trust, surveillance pricing, data centers Canada, AI sovereignty
GUEST: Vass Bednar |<a href="http://cigionline.org/people/vasiliki-vass-bednar"> http://cigionline.org/people/vasiliki-vass-bednar</a>
RUNDOWN: Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-05

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.