In a recent survey commissioned by TECHNATION, a technology industry association, it appears Canadian employees have mixed feelings about artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for society and the workforce.
The survey reveals a dichotomy in perception: 57% of Canadian workers are optimistic about AI’s benefits, whereas 61% perceive it as a potential threat.
Amid the global AI surge, Canada is perceived to be trailing in adopting these technologies within various industries. Angela Mondou, president and CEO of TECHNATION, emphasized the need for Canada to ramp up its AI readiness and enhance Canadians’ understanding and trust in AI technologies. According to Mondou, achieving this requires a concerted effort from both the government and the private sector to prepare the workforce for future challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
The survey indicates that a significant portion of Canadians (60%) advocates for increased national investment in AI. This investment is seen not just as a means to position Canada as a technology leader but also as a crucial step in upskilling workers in the AI domain. This sentiment is further underscored by concerns that Canada risks losing talent to other countries without such investment, with 42% of respondents believing that the nation’s standard of living is contingent on the level of investment in AI technologies.
Respondents also recognize potential benefits of AI, including improved fraud detection and enhanced government services, with 86% and 73% approval rates, respectively. However, the survey also uncovers significant apprehension among Canadians regarding AI, particularly around transparency, national security risks, and the proliferation of misinformation and “deep fake” videos. Notably, 90% of participants expressed concerns about the impact of such technologies on Canadian elections.
The reluctance to embrace AI fully is further illustrated by the 43% of Canadian workers admitting to having little to no understanding of AI. This knowledge gap suggests a pressing need for educational initiatives to demystify AI and its applications. Despite this, there’s a strong belief among Canadian employees in the productivity benefits AI could bring, with 69% citing its potential to alleviate repetitive tasks, allowing for more meaningful work.
TECHNATION’s survey also highlights the need for responsible regulation of AI, particularly in sensitive areas such as financial services, deep fake technologies, and the use of facial recognition in public spaces. Mondou and TECHNATION call for a unified approach to foster AI adoption while ensuring ethical standards, aiming to bolster Canada’s global reputation in responsible AI development and utilization.
With a focus on the implications of AI for Canadian workers and industries, TECHNATION’s survey sheds light on the challenges and opportunities ahead. It underscores the critical role of investment, education, and regulation in harnessing the benefits of AI while addressing the concerns and risks associated with its adoption.