Generative AI in your daily work

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a type of AI that produces material such as text and images based on what you ask. You’ve likely heard of generative AI tools, for example, ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini or Claude.

Try asking it to do some research to create a short document or generate an image and see what it can do.

The following information will help you use generative AI responsibly and in line with the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector.

Attention!

Never input protected, classified or personal information into public generative AI tools. Use these tools only for suitable unclassified information.

How AI can be used

There are many possible uses for generative AI, such as:

  • Drafting presentations, outlines, speaking notes, meeting minutes and other written material
  • Editing documents for plain and inclusive language
  • Preparing draft translations of internal documents
  • Doing initial research and generating a list of sources to consult
  • Brainstorming for creative ideas
  • Providing support for personalized learning
  • Summarizing and analyzing documents, articles and meeting transcripts
  • Helping write computer code
  • Creating images for presentations

What it cannot be used for:

  • Generating inappropriate, harmful, illegal or unethical information
  • Legal and policy advice
  • Fact‑checking
  • The only source of information for important business decisions
  • Creating images of people
  • Creating material that will deceive people or spread misinformation
  • Processing client cases on public tools

Use your work email address when you register for and use generative AI tools in your job.

Tips to use AI responsibly

Respect the “FASTER” principles to reduce risks and make sure you use generative AI tools responsibly.

Principle Do Don’t
Fair
  • Write your instructions in a way that will produce comprehensive, impartial responses
  • Check that the generated output is representative and inclusive and doesn’t contain harmful stereotypes
  • Use outputs that are biased or exclusionary, or that misrepresent population groups
Accountable
  • Take responsibility for what you prepare using AI
  • Review generated content to make sure it’s accurate
  • Check that it doesn’t contain material that is protected by copyright; to do this, search the Internet and compare the output with published materials
  • Assume the output is correct
  • Delegate tasks that should be completed by a person
Secure
  • Use public tools with unclassified data only
  • Understand the terms of use of the tool
  • Set the tool so it does not save your conversations
  • Input personal, sensitive or protected information into public tools
  • Try to find ways around the tool’s safety rules
Transparent
  • Indicate on the final product that you used generative AI
  • Let your manager know that you used an AI tool in your work
  • Pass off AI-generated content as your own work
Educated
  • Learn how to use generative AI
  • Find out about the strengths, weaknesses and risks of generative AI
  • Take courses and read articles on using generative AI
  • Use generative AI tools to generate material you don’t have the expertise to verify
  • Assume that a single training session is enough (keep learning as the tools evolve)
Relevant
  • Remember that generative AI isn’t appropriate for all uses
  • Use it only when it helps you do your work
  • Use generative AI tools for tasks that research shows they don’t do well, such as arithmetic and tasks involving nuanced or emotional language
  • Overly rely on generative AI tools

Think critically and use your judgment and expertise when using generative AI.

Additional resources

For more information:

Generative AI (Copilot) was used in the editing of this document.

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