AI Adoption and the Canadian Workforce: Preparing for Tomorrow, Today.
- Admin
- Jan 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 17
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the Canadian workforce, influencing job structures, skill requirements, and employment opportunities. Understanding AI's current and future impact is essential for employers aiming to navigate in this evolving landscape effectively.
Current Impact of AI on the Canadian Workforce
Recent studies indicate that approximately 60% of Canadian jobs are highly exposed to AI-related transformations. Notably, highly educated workers are more susceptible to these changes, with 83% to 90% of individuals holding a bachelor's degree or higher employed in positions with significant AI exposure. However, over half of these roles may find AI to be highly complementary, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
The demand for specialized AI skills has surged by 37% between 2018 and 2023, reflecting the growing importance of competencies in machine learning, deep learning, and AI ethics within the Canadian job market.
Future Implications of AI on Employment
AI's influence is expected to expand across various sectors, including financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing. While AI can automate routine tasks, it also creates opportunities for new roles that require advanced technical skills and human-centric abilities such as creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) notes that in Canada, the demand for social and language skills has increased the most over the past decade in occupations highly exposed to AI.
Recommendations for Employers:
Invest in Employee Training and Development: Provide comprehensive training programs to equip employees with the necessary AI-related skills. This includes technical training in AI tools and fostering soft skills that complement AI integration. Create policies and implement training on using AI tools in the workplace.
Implement Ethical AI Policies: Develop clear guidelines to ensure the ethical use of AI, addressing concerns related to bias, privacy, and transparency. Conducting algorithmic impact assessments can help evaluate potential risks associated with AI deployment.
Foster a Culture of Adaptability: Encourage a workplace environment that embraces change, continuous learning, and appropriate adoption of new tools. Supporting employees through transitions and promoting adaptability will be crucial as AI continues to evolve and influence job roles.
By proactively addressing these areas, Canadian employers can harness AI's potential to enhance productivity and innovation while supporting their workforce through the ongoing technological transformation.
How prepared do you feel your organization is to adapt to the changes AI is bringing to the workforce?
Very prepared – We’re already leveraging AI effectively
Slightly prepared –We’re exploring AI solutions and training
Not prepared – We haven’t started addressing AI’s impact yet
Unsure – I’m not aware of my organization’s AI initiatives
Sources:
Statistics Canada. (2024). Artificial intelligence and the Canadian labour market: Impacts and opportunities. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-0001/2024009/article/00004-eng.htm
Vector Institute. (2023). Canadian AI job market shifting: Favouring specialized in-demand skills. Retrieved from https://vectorinstitute.ai/canadian-ai-job-market-shifting-favouring-specialized-in-demand-skills/
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (n.d.). Artificial intelligence and the changing demand for skills in Canada. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/artificial-intelligence-and-the-changing-demand-for-skills-in-canada_1b20cdb6-en.html
Future Skills Centre. (2024). AI in the workplace: Preparing employees for the future of work. Retrieved from https://fsc-ccf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ai_in_the_workplace.pdf
Lexpert. (2024). Artificial intelligence and real liability: Using AI tools in recruitment and hiring. Retrieved from https://www.lexpert.ca/news/legal-insights/artificial-intelligence-real-liability-using-ai-tools-in-recruitment-and-hiring/390159
TIME. (2024). As employers embrace AI, workers fret—and seek input. Retrieved from https://time.com/6990637/ai-employers-workers/
Business Insider. (2024). AI and worker well-being are top of mind for business leaders, according to execs from Accenture, Mastercard, Ancestry, and more. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/top-business-execs-trending-insights-ai-worker-well-being-roundtable-2024-9
MarketWatch. (2024). Manpower says AI is a worry for many workers and “front of mind” for employers. Retrieved from https://www.marketwatch.com/story/manpower-says-ai-is-a-worry-for-many-workers-and-front-of-mind-for-employers-75a03c41