LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS OF AI
NAVIGATING THE UNKNOWNS OF AI IN YOUR BUSINESS
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A rtificial intelligence — friend or foe? can be both exciting and downright frightening. The hardest part may be knowing where to start and how to navigate this rapidly evolving space. “That’s where we can come in to help our clients understand what AI is and advise on how to mitigate the risks associated with it,” says Nicolas Joubert, a Winnipeg-based partner with MLT Aikins and member of the firm's leading technology, intellectual property and privacy practice. “We strongly encourage businesses to consider all aspects of an AI tool before diving in feet first, allowing decision makers to assess the pros and cons and, together with advisors like us, come up with risk mitigation strategies. We want to help businesses embrace technology in a way that reduces risk and maximizes the value for the business.” For those who own a business, whether big or small, incorporating AI (artificial intelligence) into day-to-day operations Reducing risk can be a challenge in this space, as while the potential of AI seems to be unlimited, to date it has still proven to be imperfect in many applications. But businesses can’t afford to wait if they want to compete in the modern economy — they have to find ways to manage the risk while still taking a chance on AI. “It’s critical for businesses to understand the rules of engagement — that is, what terms and conditions might apply to the use of a particular AI tool. Consideration needs to be given to the risk allocation among an AI provider and the customer, how the AI tool complies with privacy obligations and what options exist if something were to go wrong,” he says. “The more informed a business is about how this all works, the better they can leverage it within their business.” A thought leader in the AI space, MLT Aikins is also doubling down on their efforts to ensure that Manitoba businesses are informed about AI. By collaborating with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the chamber network on Manitoba AI Pathways, the BY MICHELLE BAILEY
Nicolas Joubert, partner, MLT Aikins
firm recognizes the importance of helping small- and medium-sized enterprises enhance their productivity, competitiveness and growth by embracing innovation and boosting their AI capacity. “We want to be part of the future of Manitoba businesses,” Joubert says. “Our goal is to help clients understand exactly what it is they are getting into so that their AI journey is a success.” As AI technology continues to rapidly weave its way into everyday lives, Joubert says businesses need to embrace and understand the idea of it before — and not after —integrating it into their business. Joubert explains that business owners who gain professional advice and implement appropriate procedures have a better chance to strategically navigate how AI can align with their business model — and to discover how AI can be used to their advantage. “The fact is that AI, like many other technologies, is here to stay,” he says. “We want to help our clients to understand and get comfy with it so they can deploy it successfully.” ■
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WINTER 2025
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