By Frédérique Lapointe
February 2026: The rise of generative artificial intelligence is in full swing. This new technology is taking up a bigger place in artistic circles, much to the dismay of artists. In this furor, the Regroupement pour l’art humain (RAH) has been present in the cultural ecosystem since November of 2025. Its goal is to promote human art. The provincial member for Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Quebec Solidare MNA Alexandre Leduc, has heard their case loud and clear.
On February 18th, he presented a motion at the Quebec National Assembly about generative artificial intelligence (GAI). Among other things, the motion asks that “The Quebec National Assembly recognize that generative artificial intelligence directly threatens the work and the economic stability of Quebec artists and creators;” and that the provincial government evaluate “regulating the use of generative artificial intelligence for the creation of illustrations, images or visual works in any project, organization or institution receiving public funding.”
Unanimous Approval
During my interview with Mr. Leduc, I let him know about my deep interest in GAI’s impact on the arts. “Me too!” he exclaimed immediately.
Like many, he got wind of the existence of the RAH thanks to a demonstration by illustrators at the 2025 Montreal Salon du livre. “That struck me,” he said. “That it’s not the sort of thing you expect to see at a book fair.” After talking with some members of RAH, he became a voice for their arguments. He offered to submit a motion on the dangers of GAI for Quebec artists, many of whom struggle to make a living.
Pascal Colpron, illustrator, cartoonist and co-spokesperson for the RAH, recalls how his first meeting with Mr. Leduc went. “He saw the truth of what we were saying. I felt that we had really been listened to.”
Mr. Leduc’s efforts finally bore fruit: his motion was unanimously adopted. Proof that elected officials understand the issue, no matter what their party affiliation.
This unanimous adoption satisfied Colpron, a pessimist by nature. “I wasn’t sure that political parties would put their differences aside to rally to our cause.” Against all expectations, they did, which surprised and moved Colpron. “During the vote, when I saw the lights turn green to indicate they were voting for the motion, I got emotional” he says with a smile on his lips.
This motion marks a symbolic first step towards a more regulated use of GAI in the arts. As early as December 2025, the Quebec ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs announced the implementation of measures to regulate the use of AI by public bodies. The measures involve personnel training and data protection, as well as a new framework for governance.
Alexandre Leduc would like the government to open the floor to the robust regulation of the artistic milieu. He wants to see rules for the use of GAI by institutions and cultural events that receive public funds, like festivals and museums. Funding should come “with a non-use of GAI clause,” guaranteeing that institutions promote human art, and support human artists above all.
Mr. Leduc believes that his motion is a good first step. He hopes it will be a “first building stone,” resulting in raised awareness among elected officials and the public.
Now for the Scalpel
Before going ahead with new measures, Mr. Leduc thinks it is best not only to study the government’s financial position, but to also reflect on what repercussions such regulations may have for the province. He foresees raising the issue once again when members in committee study the budget of the Culture and Communications department, which should happen in April 2026.
“All government departments spend a few hours before a parliamentary commission to justify their policies and actions,” Mr. Leduc explains. “Different members can raise the subjects of their own choice.” He has already talked to his Quebec Solidaire counterpart, Sol Zanetti, about the issue. He told Zanetti: “At the hearings in April, let’s raise this topic with minister (Mathieu) Lacombe.”
Hope on the Horizon
Unanimity offers a bit of a cushion when it comes to GAI. No matter who takes power at the projected fall elections, someone will follow up on this issue. And a lot of people are already affected. GAI now occupies an important place in people’s lives. ChatGPT already has over 800 million users after less than three years of operation. Mr. Leduc believes that this technology will occupy an increasing place in the public mind.
Artists have already felt the effects. In September 2025, the streaming platform Deezer revealed that approximately 28% of the tracks uploaded to their server were generated by artificial intelligence.
Alexandre Leduc is ready to wait for further developments, without accepting that the government drag its heels. “We don’t want to look back in two or three years and see that nothing has been done.” AI is moving forward extremely fast. In the meantime, he is ready to wait a bit and give the government time to act.
If new regulations in terms of art and culture aren’t enacted soon, “people will change careers,” Mr. Leduc thinks. And that is unacceptable. “If we lose talent, we lose our cultural identity,” he argues.
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