As artificial intelligence (AI) continues its rapid integration across industries, the conversation has moved beyond adoption to accountability. Regulatory frameworks are tightening, data ecosystems are expanding, and the risks associated with poor governance are growing. In this environment, organizations must take deliberate action to ensure their AI strategies are not only effective, but also ethical, secure, and sustainable.
At Mariner, we believe that the cornerstone of successful AI adoption lies in a mature, well-orchestrated data governance framework. It’s what transforms raw data into strategic insight, and what allows organizations to harness AI with confidence rather than caution.
AI Is Already Here—And Moving Fast
The pace of AI adoption is accelerating. According to a 2025 McKinsey report, there’s a growing disparity in perception between leadership and employees. While only 4% of executives believe generative AI comprises more than 30% of employee tasks, 13% of employees report already reaching that threshold, and nearly half expect to surpass it within the next year.
This signals a critical need for governance mechanisms that can keep pace with both user behavior and technological innovation. The opportunity is clear, but so is the responsibility.
Governance: The Bedrock of Trusted AI
AI is only as intelligent as the data it ingests. Without structure, oversight, and standards, organizations risk introducing bias, amplifying errors, or exposing themselves to legal and reputational vulnerabilities. Robust data governance ensures that:
- Data is accurate, complete, and fit for purpose
- Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined
- Regulatory compliance is embedded—not retrofitted
- Risks are actively managed, not reactively addressed
At Mariner, we help our clients build governance models that are scalable, defensible, and integrated with AI and business strategy alike.
The Consequences of Poor Data Quality Are Tangible
The phrase “garbage in, garbage out” is particularly true for AI. A lack of clarity, reliability, or oversight in data pipelines can lead to systemic failures, from biased AI recruitment systems [2] to flawed cancer treatment recommendations [3], or even fatal outcomes in autonomous driving scenarios [4].
The business cost can also be steep. In 2021, advertising platform Kargo lost $500,000 USD due to data processing errors from an external partner that went undetected, leading to a critical pipeline failure [5]. The remedy? Stronger data observability and governance.
Preparing for a Global Regulatory Shift
The European Union Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), which began enforcement in August 2024, represents a sweeping new framework for responsible AI, with penalties ranging from €15M to €35M—or up to 7% of global annual turnover [13].
Canada is not far behind. While the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) is not yet law [6], Canada remains deeply engaged in global AI governance through:
- The Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) [7]
- The EU–Canada Digital Partnership [8]
- The Council of Europe Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights (signed February 2025) [9]
And for those who fall short, the consequences are real. In Q4 of 2024 alone:
- ClearviewAI was fined by Dutch regulators under GDPR [10]
- OpenAI faced sanctions in Italy [11]
- DoNotPay, an AI-powered legal assistant, was penalized by the U.S. FTC [12]
At Mariner, we stay ahead of this evolving landscape, ensuring our clients’ governance frameworks are both resilient and regulation-ready.
Beyond Tools: Governance Requires Expertise
While software platforms play a critical role in enabling observability and control, they are not a standalone solution. Effective governance depends on human insight.
At Mariner, we bring together multidisciplinary teams including business analysts, data architects, and change management professionals, to align governance strategy with organizational objectives. Our focus includes:
- Embedding governance into everyday operations
- Empowering staff to make data-informed decisions
- Maintaining observability across AI pipelines
- Mitigating compliance risks while supporting innovation
We don’t just configure systems—we build enduring governance capabilities.
Mariner’s Approach: Five Pillars of AI-Ready Governance
For organizations preparing to scale their AI capabilities, we recommend a structured approach.
Leading with Confidence in the Age of AI
At Mariner, we partner with organizations to unlock the full potential of AI, safely, ethically, and strategically. With decades of experience in data governance, enterprise transformation, and regulatory advisory, we help businesses not only adapt to disruption but lead through it.
As the AI wave builds momentum, we ensure our clients are equipped not only to ride it—but to lead the way.
Prepared By:
Gregory Grondin, Senior Systems Analyst
Stefanie Materniak, Data governance Analyst
Transform Uncertainty into Opportunity.
Don’t let the AI wave catch you off guard. Get in touch today to discover how we help organizations stay ahead with responsible AI and robust data governance.
Further Reading
Want to see AI and data governance in action? Explore how Canada’s digital health transformation is paving the way for responsible innovation.