This report concludes that Canadian jobs involving routine tasks are highly susceptible to automation, but that these jobs may not be eliminated only restructured. It estimates that 42% of the Canadian labour force is at high-risk of being affected by automation within the next 10 to 20 years. In addition, 42% of job tasks currently performed by Canadian workers are already automatable with existing technology. Although this does not imply these jobs will be lost per se, it does mean workers will need to acquire new skills to adapt to the changing job requirements. Low-education, low-skilled workers are at most risk of becoming unemployment. On the other hand, 36% of Canada’s labour force is employed in high-skilled occupations with low risk of being affected by automation. These occupations are expected to produce 712,000 jobs over the next 2 decades, which provides opportunities for those willing and able to change careers.
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July 17, 2026 |
Key Takeaway: AI is changing jobs, skills, and career pathways faster than traditional employment and training systems can adapt. The transition raises broader questions about income security, career development, human skills, and access to sustainable livelihoods.
2026 |
Key Takeaway:
Labour market policies—such as changes to unemployment income supports or employability programs—should not be judged solely by how well they protect participants’ income: they can have broader effects on the overall labour market, including indirect effects on people not in the programs.
2026 |
Key Takeaway: Generative AI is now used by many workers in Canada, but its use varies widely across occupations and industries. In March 2026, 35.9% of workers reported using generative AI at work in the previous 12 months. Use was much higher in occupations that tend to be more exposed to AI, such as in the senior management, applied and natural sciences, finance, and education fields. Many workers who did not use these tools said they were not relevant to their work.
2026 |
Key Takeaway: The use of generative AI is expanding quickly but unevenly across Canadian workplaces. Its reported use rose to 30% from 17% from September 2024 to July 2025, but remains concentrated in knowledge-intensive jobs performed by highly educated workers.
2024 |
Key Takeaway:
AI is changing the skills employers look for in many occupations. The report finds that while most workers won’t need specialized AI skills, there is a growing demand for communication, social, language, and emotional skills in occupations that are highly exposed to AI.
2026 |
Key Takeaway:
Rather than eliminating occupations, AI is changing tasks and the types of skills that employers demand. Workers will need foundational, digital, complementary, and specialized skills, supported by accessible education and training.
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