AI Job Apocalypse or Opportunity? Canadian Workers Reveal Their True Feelings

Since 2023, media coverage has increasingly focused on artificial intelligence (AI) automation potentially displacing workers. As sociologists studying work attitudes, we investigated whether these narratives resonate with Canadian workers.

Understanding worker perspectives on automation is crucial for assessing AI's broader impact on work and society. Widespread fear could lead not only to economic disruption but also to eroded trust in institutions and technological progress.

To explore these attitudes, we conducted a nationally representative survey of 2,519 working Canadians from September 8 to 18, supported by the Angus Reid Forum. The survey aimed to gauge public perceptions about AI-related job displacement threats.

Canadian responses revealed significant diversity, blending concern, skepticism, and cautious optimism.

Mixed Reactions to Potential Job Loss

We presented respondents with a statement from Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, who predicted in an Axios interview that "AI could wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs and spike unemployment to 10 to 20 per cent in the next one to five years."

When asked how likely this scenario was, Canadian workers showed divided opinions: 16% found it "very likely," 48% said "somewhat likely," and 36% responded "not too likely" or "not at all likely."

Follow-up open-ended questions provided qualitative insights into how people perceive the AI threat. While most expressed pessimism, a notable minority countered with optimism.

Concerns About Corporate Greed and Job Loss

Pessimistic responses often highlighted worries about corporate greed and profit motives. A 63-year-old writer stated, "Companies are greedy. They want to get rid of as many jobs as possible."

A 66-year-old clinical manager added, "Companies are always looking to reduce cost and improve efficacies, so there is a strong probability this is going to happen in many organizations over the next 5 to 10 years as AI continues to be used."

Some felt these trends are already underway. A 30-year-old engineer noted, "The trends and increases in speed of which AI has begun dominating the business world... I believe that whether or not society approves, companies will attempt to replace their entry-level jobs with AI."

A 32-year-old real estate legal assistant echoed, "AI has already advanced so much in a short space of time. Combined with our society’s prioritization of profit, I doubt many companies will have any scruples about replacing people with machines."

Others expressed concerns about diminishing worker dignity and respect. A 53-year-old senior government policy analyst said, "Executives do not see the value of the human mind compared to a machine. It shows they have no concern for employees, just profits."

A 70-year-old civil construction inspector remarked, "Worker productivity is low, immigration has overwhelmed services and housing, corporations have no respect for workers no matter where or what the task. There will simply be too many people competing for jobs."

A 22-year-old barista summarized, "Companies see AI as a cheap way to lay off many workers and maximize their own profits — even though doing so will make their products worse. Companies only care about money, not the workers that generate their revenue."

Optimism About Human Adaptability

Not all responses were negative. Many expressed optimism about AI and human capacity to adapt.

A 54-year-old community television producer emphasized, "AI is not a replacement for humans," suggesting it "should allow humans to accomplish more at their jobs."

Others drew parallels to past technological shifts. A 34-year-old service officer speculated, "The job market will adapt as needed, switching to different roles that match the current technology, just as we have done in the past."

A 33-year-old project coordinator stated, "I think people and jobs will adapt to utilize technology in the same way we adapted to the internet. I think the job market will change, but overall, we’re more likely to adapt than have high unemployment."

Some reinforced the enduring relevance of human roles. A 32-year-old economist noted, "Regardless of the nature of the job, individuals will still need to train the younger generation. While we might not need data entry people anymore, we still need to understand how data entry works to hold upper-level positions — it can’t just be taken away from people completely."

Key Insights

These findings indicate that, despite sensational headlines, Canadian workers' views on AI and job loss are nuanced.

The emotional landscape of work includes frustrations with corporate priorities and skepticism about worker protections. Yet, the survey also uncovered resilience, with many believing in the essential humanness of work.

Over the next one to five years, we will continue monitoring how Canadian workers, business leaders, and policymakers adapt to AI-driven changes.