The Silent Threat of AI in Canadian Workplaces: Job Survival vs. Quality

The quiet risk of workplace AI is becoming increasingly apparent among Canadian workers, especially those with university degrees. A recent survey highlights a growing concern that AI will significantly impact their jobs, though many believe this will lead to adaptation rather than outright replacement.

Key findings from the Canadian Quality of Work and Economic Life Survey (C-QWELS) show that from September 2023 to April 2025, the percentage of workers who think machines or computers are likely to take over much of their current job rose from 17% to 23%. This concern is notably higher among university graduates, with a nearly 10 percentage point increase in the last six months.

While only 9% of workers fear losing their jobs to automation, 23% expect their roles to be adapted to work alongside new technology. However, this adaptation doesn't necessarily mean the work will remain meaningful, skill-intensive, or fairly compensated.

Erosion before displacement is a significant concern. For example, at Amazon, software engineers report that AI tools are speeding up production timelines but also reducing time for thoughtful coding and increasing output expectations. This shift is making their work less autonomous and more pressured.

Uneven impacts are evident across different professions. Radiologists, for instance, have seen AI complement their expertise, enabling faster analysis without replacement. In contrast, medical transcriptionists are increasingly editing AI-generated text under time pressure, leading to reduced job discretion and perceived value.

Adaptation isn’t necessarily promotion. The retail banking sector serves as a cautionary tale, where automation initially increased teller jobs but didn’t raise pay, eventually shifting many to call center roles with less autonomy and lower wages.

As AI continues to evolve, it’s crucial for Canadians to engage in a sustained and open conversation about how these workplace changes are unfolding and their potential long-term effects.