ECONOMIC FORUM 2025

AI AND ITS POSSIBILITIES IN NUNAVUT: WHAT IMPACT ON THE TERRITORY'S ECONOMY?

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are profoundly transforming our lives and will undoubtedly have a major economic impact worldwide. AI is now being used in various fields, leading to the creation of new products and services. No longer just an option, artificial intelligence has become a key driver of development, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

Mastering and adapting AI is more essential than ever. How can we leverage this powerful development tool within our specific context? How can we tailor it to the realities of our territory to save time with innovative and accessible solutions? How far should we go without compromising our values?

Through this forum, Carrefour Nunavut aims to guide Nunavummiut through a structured journey to understand and master the most advanced AI tools and explore concrete strategies to accelerate the growth of our territory.

The Artificial Intelligence Forum is free and open to all interested participants.

EVENT DETAILS

Friday, February 28, 2025/ Frobisher Inn – Iqaluit

5:25 PM – 5:50 PM – Registration & Business Networking (snack)
6:00 PM – Opening Conference
Theme: Artificial Intelligence: An Opportunity for Nunavut?

How does Nunavut plan to implement AI in public administration? This opening session will explore the perspectives and challenges related to artificial intelligence in Nunavut, highlighting the opportunities AI presents in addressing key issues while acknowledging its limitations.

Saturday, March 1, 2025 / Frobisher Inn – Iqaluit

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Workshop 1: Where to Start? Identifying Needs & Understanding AI

This session will introduce the fundamentals of AI, helping organizations identify their operational needs and present different types of AI. It will also emphasize the importance of data quality and quantity in AI applications.

Speaker: Éric Chartron (Senior Director of Research & Development) – Centre de Recherche Informatique de Montréal (CRIM)

• 10-minute Coffee Break

10:10 AM – 11:10 AM

Workshop 2: Steps for Successful AI Integration

Integrating artificial intelligence into an organization is a complex process that requires meticulous planning and strategic execution. AI adoption represents a commitment to continuous performance improvement. Organizations that approach AI thoughtfully and systematically can achieve significant gains in productivity and monetary value.

This session will showcase real-world use cases. The moderator will share both successful and challenging experiences, allowing participants to learn from past mistakes and successes while guiding organizations toward effective AI implementation.

Moderator: Lise Rebout (Director of Project Portfolio Management – R&D) – Centre de Recherche Informatique de Montréal (CRIM)

• 10-minute Coffee Break

11:20 AM – 12:20 PM

Workshop 3: Innovation and Productivity in the Mining Sector

Known for its rugged landscapes and complex operations, the mining industry is undergoing a significant transformation through AI integration. AI-powered technologies are enhancing efficiency, improving safety, and fostering sustainability across various aspects of mining operations, from exploration to production.

AI tools have become valuable allies in the mining sector. Predictive maintenance solutions help companies avoid unexpected breakdowns and reduce downtime. AI-powered drones equipped with advanced sensors can analyze environments, map terrains, collect data, generate preliminary interpretations, and create detailed 3D maps, expediting exploration while reducing costs and risks. However, interpreting this vast amount of data remains a major challenge.

Speaker: Centre de Recherche Informatique de Montréal (CRIM)

• 10-minute Coffee Break

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Workshop 4: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Job Market

AI is reshaping the workforce by improving data management, activity planning, and collaboration. These innovations are revolutionizing the world of work, but they also come with risks. The main concern is job displacement, particularly for roles involving routine and repetitive tasks.

How far should task automation go?
What will the future job market look like?
How can we balance AI adoption with job preservation?
How do we ensure data confidentiality for organizations and clients?
What role will humans play in an AI-driven world?
Speaker: Mathieu Barreau (Director of Business, Communications & Partnerships) – Centre de Recherche Informatique de Montréal (CRIM)

• 10-minute Coffee Break

1:40 PM – Closing Conference

Theme: AI, Challenges, Ethics, and Transparency

The economic impact of AI in Nunavut will depend on how it is implemented. While its potential is undeniable, AI also raises ethical and social concerns. To maximize its benefits, AI adoption must be guided by well-defined principles rooted in deep reflections on social and ethical issues. This closing session will focus on long-term skills development and explore actions Nunavut could take to ensure the ethical and responsible integration of AI into its future growth.

Join us for this essential discussion on AI and its impact on Nunavut’s future.