Future of work
A curated resource of recent research on trends shaping Canada's labour market.
Statistics Canada evaluated 2016 and 2021 census data to assess how AI is affecting and will continue to affect Canadian jobs. The study used an index that divided jobs into three categories:
- High exposure, low complementarity. These jobs (about 31% of Canadian workers) are heavily affected by AI, where AI can adequately perform key functions.
- High exposure, high complementarity. These jobs (about 29% of Canadian workers) are heavily affected by AI, where workers can use AI for support with tasks.
- Low exposure, regardless of complementarity. These jobs (about 40% of Canadian workers) are not heavily affected by AI.
The authors note that exposure to AI does not necessarily imply a risk of job loss, but can imply a degree of job transformation.
The study found that AI exposure is not limited to low-skill or routine jobs. In fact, many highly educated workers—particularly in fields like professional, scientific and technical services, finance, education, health care, and information industries—are exposed to AI, both as a risk and an opportunity. These sectors also have a higher share of jobs that are likely to benefit from the use of AI (high complementarity), such as teachers, doctors, and health professionals.