How AI and Automation Are Changing Job Prospects for Skilled Workers in Canada
June 30, 2025
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Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the Canadian labour market, presenting challenges and opportunities for skilled workers. As AI technologies become more integrated into industries, the nature of work is evolving, requiring professionals to adapt their skills to remain competitive.
This guide explores the impact of AI and automation on in-demand jobs in Canada and offers insights on how skilled workers can future-proof their careers.
The Changing Landscape of Jobs in Canada
AI adoption in Canada has accelerated significantly in recent years. From 2021 to 2023, firm adoption rates nearly doubled, with AI becoming a key growth sector supported by government investment in research and development. While AI and automation can displace some routine and repetitive jobs, they also create new roles, particularly in AI development, data science, machine learning, and other technology-driven fields.
A recent study categorizes Canadian occupations based on their exposure to AI and whether AI complements or automates tasks within those roles. Approximately 56% of Canadian workers are in jobs highly exposed to AI, split evenly between those where AI complements human work (e.g., engineering, healthcare) and those more susceptible to automation (e.g., administrative roles). This dual impact means that while some jobs may decline, others will evolve or emerge, demanding new skill sets.
Which Jobs Are Most Affected?
Jobs with well-defined, repetitive tasks, such as manufacturing roles or administrative positions, face higher risks of automation. For example, gas station attendants and bank tellers have already seen significant automation. Occupations requiring advanced education, cognitive skills, decision-making, and leadership, such as engineers, healthcare professionals, and AI specialists, are more likely to benefit from AI as a complementary tool.
AI-related roles remain a niche but growing segment of the Canadian job market. The demand for AI professionals peaked around late 2021 but has since slowed, partly due to economic uncertainties and a shift toward retraining existing employees rather than hiring new specialists. Key industries hiring AI talent include professional, scientific, and technical services, financial services, manufacturing, and publishing.
The Impact on Skilled Workers
The integration of AI and automation is transforming job roles across sectors. Skilled workers in manufacturing, for instance, now need to operate and maintain automated machinery and robots, while new roles like data analysts and AI programmers are emerging. This transformation requires a blend of technical expertise, creativity, and adaptability.
Moreover, AI is shifting the labour market toward job polarization, where middle-skill, middle-income jobs decline, and growth occurs primarily in high-skill and low-skill roles. This trend underscores the importance of continuous upskilling and reskilling to maintain employability and wage growth.
Strategies for Future-Proofing Careers
To thrive in Canada’s evolving job market, skilled workers should consider the following strategies:
- Embrace Lifelong Learning: Continuously update skills, especially in AI, data analytics, machine learning, and programming. Pursuing certifications, micro-credentials, and workshops can enhance employability.
- Develop Transferable Skills: Focus on skills that AI and automation cannot easily replicate, such as collaboration, adaptability, conceptual thinking, and leadership.
- Leverage AI as a Tool: Learn to work alongside AI technologies to augment productivity and decision-making rather than viewing AI solely as a threat.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and labour market shifts through professional networks, publications, and conferences.
- Target Resilient Careers: Consider roles less susceptible to automation, such as healthcare professionals, educators, therapists, legal experts, and creative professionals.
Policy and Workforce Development Implications
The Canadian government and stakeholders recognize the need to support workers through this transition by prioritizing AI resilience in education and labour policies. Addressing job polarization and the decline of middle-skill jobs requires targeted workforce development initiatives and modernized employment support systems.
Efforts to retrain existing employees and invest in AI talent development are crucial to prevent skill shortages and ensure Canada remains competitive in the global AI landscape. Equitable access to upskilling opportunities is also essential to mitigate the disproportionate impact of automation on vulnerable groups, including Black and Indigenous Canadians.
AI and automation undeniably transform the Canadian job market, creating both disruption and opportunity. Skilled workers who proactively adapt by acquiring new technical and transferable skills, embracing AI as a collaborative tool, and staying informed about labour market trends will be best positioned to succeed.
FAQS
Which Canadian Jobs Are Least Affected by AI and Automation?
Jobs requiring human skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex decision-making, such as healthcare, education, and legal professions, are least likely to be automated.
How Can Skilled Workers Prepare for AI’s Impact?
Skilled workers can stay competitive by continuously learning AI-related technical skills, developing adaptability and collaboration, and using AI as a tool to enhance their work.
Which Industries in Canada Demand AI Professionals the Most?
Professional services, finance, manufacturing, and publishing lead demand for AI roles like data scientists and machine learning engineers.