The upcoming Liberal national convention will address various policy resolutions, including age restrictions on social media and AI chatbots. One resolution from Quebec proposes banning individuals under 16 from accessing AI chatbots and other potentially harmful AI interactions. It highlights concerns about these technologies leading to negative impacts on youth, such as inappropriate conversations and harmful suggestions. Another resolution suggests implementing a law similar to Australia’s, setting a minimum age of 16 for social media account creation and requiring companies to prevent underage users from having accounts. It also calls for the establishment of a digital safety body to address online issues like cyberbullying and hateful content.
Prime Minister Mark Carney mentioned considering an “age of majority” for social media under new online harms legislation but has not decided on following Australia’s lead. Other proposals at the convention include electoral system reforms, such as requiring candidates to secure at least 50% plus one vote or setting up a citizens’ assembly for proportional representation design. Additionally, a resolution from British Columbia suggests using federal disallowance to veto provincial notwithstanding clause usage that potentially infringes on Charter rights before legal challenges.
The convention will also discuss eliminating visitor visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens, establishing a national rail strategy, and addressing healthcare, energy efficiency, and tax issues. The last Liberal convention in 2025 signaled a leadership change, with members supporting Carney to succeed Trudeau as party leader and prime minister.
