By
February 25, 2020
Ottawa, January 25, 2020 — Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology with the potential to fundamentally alter Canada’s labour market and business operations through its ability to generate new efficiencies, identify hidden patterns, and automate tasks.
A new study, On the Edge of Tomorrow – Canada’s AI-Augmented Workforce, by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) explores the current state of development of this rapidly evolving technology, identifies Canada’s greatest strengths in AI innovation, its regional development hubs, and discusses the implications of AI in the Canadian labour market.
ICTC’s AI study also describes the occupations most likely to be augmented by AI, delves into who is working in these roles and the correlation of AI augmentation to wages.
One key finding is that although many low-wage jobs, such as customer-service representatives or entry-level administrative roles, can be augmented by AI, high-wage occupations, such as auditors or financial analysts, are equally susceptible.
“Artificial intelligence has the potential to change workplaces across the country. We need to ensure Canadians know which skills will be in demand in the years to come. Reports like the one released by ICTC provide the necessary information for Canadian workers to benefit from artificial intelligence and to set Canada on the path to be a global leader in the field.” – The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
The knowledge derived from this research is needed today to develop the training and upskilling pathways discussed in this report.
On the Edge of Tomorrow—Canada’s AI Augmented Workforce also covers the following topics:
- International trends in AI
- National AI initiatives and research collaborations
- The role of venture capital and corporate investment in AI
- Canada’s strategic sectors for AI deployment
As AI continues to disrupt on many levels, it is critical to develop strategies to ensure that its benefits are not divisive and that AI is deployed and used responsibly. This ethical dimension in AI development is currently an area in which Canada is demonstrating global leadership. Maintaining this momentum is crucial as Canada increasingly embraces a future that incorporates artificial intelligence.
As a not-for-profit, national center of expertise, ICTC strengthens Canada’s digital advantage in a global economy. Through trusted research, practical policy advice, and creative capacity-building programs, ICTC fosters globally-competitive Canadian industries enabled by innovative and di¬≠verse digital talent. In partnership with a vast network of industry leaders, academic partners, and policy makers from across Canada, ICTC has empowered a globally competitive and inclusive digital economy for over 25 years.
On the Edge of Tomorrow – Canada’s AI-Augmented Workforce was funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives program.
For media inquiries or further information about this study, please contact Paul Stastny at [email protected] or 403.351.0138 Ext. 823.
A copy of the study can be accessed here.
A French-language version of this press release is available here.