Microsoft 365 Copilot is a generative artificial intelligence tool being piloted by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to assist Government of Canada employees with knowledge work tasks. The system integrates AI capabilities directly into commonly used Microsoft 365 applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, helping employees draft documents, create presentations, analyze data, and manage email more efficiently.
The tool uses enterprise content from SharePoint, Outlook, and OneDrive combined with Microsoft's large language models to provide personalized assistance. Since this pilot involves processing personal information, the department is carefully evaluating the system's performance and impacts before broader deployment. This is a limited trial conducted to explore how generative AI can improve government workplace productivity while maintaining appropriate safeguards.
As this system is still in development, the department continues to assess its effectiveness and ensure alignment with government privacy and security requirements.
