Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals gathered at the Château Cartier Hôtel
Resort on February 5, for an engaging conference on artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in
business innovation. Hosted by the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce, the event was part of the
VISÉES program, a broader initiative spearheaded by the Fédération des chambres de
commerce du Québec (FCCQ) to support businesses in adapting to emerging technologies and
workforce challenges.

The morning began with discussions on pressing economic concerns, including trade tariffs,
government contracts, and the importance of fostering local innovation. Speakers emphasized
the need for Quebec businesses to remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.
A key topic was the role of AI in shaping the future of industries, not just as a tool for automation
but as a driver of growth and efficiency.

One of the major themes explored was how AI-powered tools are revolutionizing industries by
analyzing large datasets, predicting market trends, and optimizing workflow automation.
Attendees were introduced to AI-driven applications such as ChatGPT, which can assist with
customer service and content creation, as well as data analytics platforms that help businesses
make more informed decisions.

“AI is not just about replacing jobs; it is about enhancing human decision-making, streamlining
operations, and driving business success,” said Antoine Bourassa, founder of Boorask
Innovation. “Companies that embrace AI will see dramatic improvements in efficiency and
competitiveness.”

Another key takeaway was the importance of upskilling employees to work alongside AI rather
than fear it. Discussions highlighted statistics showing that many businesses struggle to find
skilled workers, particularly in fields requiring specialized knowledge. Bourassa stressed that AI
should be seen as a tool to augment human expertise rather than replace it. “The key to
integrating AI successfully is ensuring that people understand how to work with it, not against it,”
he noted. “AI should be viewed as an assistant that helps teams focus on higher-value tasks.”
The event also featured interactive discussions and live demonstrations of AI technologies in
action. Participants engaged in exercises designed to showcase how AI can be integrated into
their daily operations, from automating repetitive administrative tasks to enhancing strategic
decision-making.

The conversation touched on global competition in AI development, with mentions of recent
advancements by major tech players such as OpenAI, Meta, and Chinese firms investing
billions in the race to dominate the AI landscape. “AI is advancing rapidly, but ethical
considerations and regulatory frameworks must also be developed to ensure responsible ​
adoption,” Bourassa pointed out. “We need to ensure that AI is used for the right purposes and
that its benefits are accessible to businesses of all sizes.”

Photo: Antoine Bourassa, founder of Boorask Innovation, emphasized that AI is not about
replacing jobs but enhancing decision-making and efficiency, urging businesses to embrace AI
as a tool for growth and innovation. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo