The NDP is calling on the provincial government to employ real artists and talent over AI for all government physical media, marketing and communications.

The MHA for St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi, Sheilagh O’Leary, presented a petition before the House this week.

She says government has to show that it supports the creative arts and those employed in the industry.

“Artists in Newfoundland and Labrador are experiencing job losses and fewer opportunities for employment because corporations and governments use AI to cut costs and avoid paying workers in the creative industries.”

She says graphics and images made through AI use the material created by real people – without compensation or permission – to create work that has monetary value.

A large number of the signatories to the petition were workers on a television production set filming outside Confederation Building.