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Future of work
A curated resource of recent research on trends shaping Canada's labour market.
The study reports that the intelligence Revolution will be driven by three factors: (1) exponential change in machine learning, (2) free data storage and (3) increasing computational power. These changes will lead to job losses but the effect may be more limited than is often feared. The report concludes that “the amount of work will increase but the capabilities needed to perform it will change.” The report posits eight archetypes defined by their “future-proofed” skills. Within each archetype category fall multiple occupations – some of which are at high-risk and others low-risk of being lost to automation. The typology is summarized in the table below.
| Archetype | Future-proofed capabilities | High risk of automation | Low risk of automation | Potential job growth |
| Protector | Social awareness and judgment. | Medical laboratory assistant, security guards and pharmacists | Police officer, family doctor and speech/language pathologist. | Geronto-kinesiologist, telenurse and end-of-life therapist. |
| Innovator | Competitive edge, judgment and execution. | none | Aerospace engineer, AI designer, University professor and Game developer. | Startup specialist, Continuous improvement agent and Mechatronics engineer |
| Influencer | Influence, inspirational leadership and competitive edge. | Administrative service managers. | Leader in financial technology, coach and politician. | Online community manager and incubator relationship manager. |
| Integrator | Collaboration, judgment and creativity | Executive assistant, Real estate agent and Railway traffic controller |
Journalist, Executive chef, Retail buyer and Teacher. | Networking specialist, Company culture ambassador and Simplicity expert |
| Scorekeeper | Judgement, competitive edge and social awareness. | Paralegal, Auto Insurance brokers and Accountants. | Lawyer, Actuaries and Employment. | Curriculum standards manager, Big Data scientist and Cybersecurity analyst. |
| Performer | Creativity, Execution and Social Awareness. | Sports referee | Musician, Film producer, Professional athlete and Broadcaster. | Enhanced reality game/film producer, Vlogger (multi-media blogger) and Personal brand strategist. |
| Builder | Judgment and execution. | Line cook, Carpenter, Transport, Truck driver and Drycleaner | Car mechanic, Financial analyst and Oil field worker. | Urban farmer, AI developer, Auto-transport analyst and Robotics programmer. |
| Curator | Customer insight, Creativity and Social awareness |
Hotel front desk clerk, Travel guide and Customer service cashier. | Hairstylist/barber, Advertising manager, Outdoor sports and recreational guide | Customer service psychologist and Customer experience strategist. |
Tags:
2025 |
Key Takeaway:
The economy in Yukon is expected to grow by 41% from 2024 to 2045. However, the existing labour supply cannot meet the territory’s current labour demand.
2025 |
Key Takeaway:
Work-integrated learning programs that are short, flexible and less resource-intensive increase opportunities for students to develop professional skills and networks.
2024 |
Key Takeaway:
There is an urgent need for employers to develop artificial intelligence (AI) policies and to implement training for the use of AI tools at work.
January, 2025 |
Key Takeaway:
There’s a significant gap between the supply and the demand for health-care workers in Canada, which is expected to worsen without intervention.
2024 |
Key Takeaway:
Generative artificial intelligence is becoming embedded in the everyday work of many sectors—including the public sector.
April, 2024 |
Key Takeaway:
The availability of both green jobs and jobs requiring green skills is outpacing the number of workers with the right skills.