Rob Ashton, a contender for the NDP leadership and a prominent union leader, participated in an online campaign event on Sunday, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Users on Reddit pointed out that some of Ashton’s responses during the “ask me anything” (AMA) session appeared to be AI-generated. Following inquiries from CBC News, the Ashton campaign promptly issued an apology on the r/ndp subreddit, acknowledging that certain answers were crafted with the assistance of AI tools without Ashton’s review.
In the statement, Ashton’s team clarified that due to being on the move, Ashton had tasked helpers and volunteers to prepare responses for his assessment. They admitted that some answers were published without Ashton’s final approval, emphasizing Ashton’s commitment to transparency and accountability in leadership. Ashton assured the public that such incidents would not recur and pledged to personally craft responses moving forward.
A dockworker and president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, Ashton has emerged as a leading candidate in the NDP leadership race, positioning himself as the champion of working-class interests. Reddit users were the first to notice the AI-generated responses, critiquing the use of certain linguistic elements that suggested automated generation rather than human composition.
In response to the backlash, Ashton expressed his opposition to the unchecked use of AI, highlighting its negative impacts on employment, artistry, information dissemination, and democratic processes. He advocated for stringent regulations on AI, calling for measures to safeguard individuals and platforms from exploitation. Drawing parallels between unregulated AI and the rise of fascism, Ashton underscored the class-based implications of these issues.
Ashton committed to removing the AI-generated responses and replacing them with his own authentic input over the upcoming days. Other candidates in the NDP leadership race, such as Tony McQuail, emphasized their disapproval of utilizing AI in campaign communications. Avi Lewis’s campaign disclosed plans to unveil their policy stance on AI and employment soon. Heather McPherson’s team highlighted her housing proposal, which includes provisions against AI-driven rent inflation.
Tanille Johnston supported Ashton’s apology and stressed the importance of accountability among all candidates. She expressed frustration with the media’s focus on campaign controversies rather than substantive policy discussions. While the NDP leadership race has largely been uneventful, incidents like Ashton’s AI utilization and McPherson’s remarks on “purity tests” have garnered attention. The candidates faced criticism for their lackluster French proficiency during debates in Montreal, potentially influencing NDP members as they approach the leadership selection in March.