Research summary: Artificial intelligence and automation in Canada’s labour market
Official title: AI exposure, automation risk, and complementarity in Canada's labour market: Evidence from online job postings
Author of the report: Yan Zhang
Alternate formats
Artificial intelligence and automation in Canada’s labour market [PDF - 279 KB]
Large print, braille, MP3 (audio), e-text and DAISY formats are available on demand by ordering online or calling 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). If you use a teletypewriter (TTY), call 1-800-926-9105.
Why this study
This study examines how changes in the Canadian labour market are shaping the jobs employers are hiring for, influenced by:
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- the risk of jobs being replaced by machines, and
- the ways AI can support human work
While new technology can replace people in some tasks or even some jobs, it can also help workers and create new kinds of job opportunities. The study examines how often Canadian job postings involve:
- AI exposed occupations
- occupations at risk of automation, or
- occupations where AI might help people with their tasks
This research also connects these patterns to green jobs. These jobs are becoming more important as Canada works toward climate goals.
What we did
The study used real‑time online job postings (OJPs) from TalentNeuron for the period 2019 to 2024, covering all Canadian provinces.
It classified job postings into 6 AIE-AR-C groups based on 3 dimensions:
- AI Exposure - how likely occupations are exposed to AI
- Automation Risk - how likely occupations might be replaced by machine or software tools
- AI Complementarity - how likely AI can support rather than replace people at work
The study examined these AIE-AR-C groups across:
- provinces
- occupational groups
- education levels, and
- green occupations
It also looked at how demand changed over time.
What we found
Jobs with high automation risk were usually in areas with low AI exposure. In contrast, jobs with high AI complementarity were mostly in occupations with medium AI exposure.
Over 75% of jobs that are both high in AI exposure and high in complementarity were also green jobs, showing a strong connection between digital and environmental changes.
Since 2019, job postings for high‑risk automatable jobs have gone down, while postings for jobs that are highly exposed to AI or highly complemented by AI have gone up-especially after tools like ChatGPT became widely used.
In sectors like manufacturing, utilities, and natural resources, job postings with low or medium AI exposure seem to be shifting from roles that are more likely to be replaced by machines to jobs where people and AI are more likely to work well together. This shows the need for targeted training and workforce strategies that support everyone.
What it means
Overall, the findings show that AI affects different jobs in different ways. Workers in jobs with low AI exposure but high automation risk may need extra support and training because their job opportunities could shrink or even disappear. A relatively smooth transition is possible as many high-complementarity jobs exist in the same general occupational categories as jobs with high automation risk. This makes it even more important to help workers learn new skills and ensure fair opportunities for everyone. Understanding these trends can help Canada create better programs to support workers and prepare for the future of work.
Contact us
For access to the full report, please contact us using the email address below.
Skills and Employment Branch, Labour Market Information Directorate, Policy Research Analysis and Geomatics Division
Email: esdc.nc.sspb.research-recherche.dgpss.cn.edsc@esdc-edsc.gc.ca