One in three Canadian workers have used generative artificial intelligence tools at work in the past year, according to a new Statistics Canada survey released Thursday.
Adoption rates vary by sector
The study shows that 41.6 % of respondents said they have incorporated at least one AI or automation technology into their job or business within the last 12 months. Awareness is high: 93.4 % of workers said they know about generative AI tools. Of those, 51.5 % consider themselves familiar with how the tools could be applied to their current tasks, while 15 % claim to be very familiar.
However, familiarity does not always translate to use. About 11.1 % of those aware of the technology said they are not familiar with its work‑related applications, and 37.4 % feel the tools are not applicable to their roles. The survey indicates that usage remains sporadic; 63.5 % of AI‑using workers reported moderate use, and 24.9 % described it as minimal.
Only 11.9 % said they employ AI tools broadly and on a daily basis, and a small 3.6 % reported using AI for every task they perform. The data suggests most employees are still experimenting rather than relying heavily on the technology.
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Industry differences
Professional, scientific and technical services lead the adoption curve, with 65.6 % of workers in those fields reporting AI use. Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing follow at 59.2 %, and educational services sit at 53.0 %. By contrast, accommodation and food services lag behind at 16.3 %, agriculture at 17.5 %, and transportation and warehousing at 21.1 %.
These disparities reflect the varying relevance of AI across job functions. Sectors that process large data sets or require complex analysis tend to find AI tools more immediately useful, while hands‑on or service‑oriented roles may see fewer clear benefits.
Adoption varies widely.
Understanding why the technology spreads unevenly helps frame the broader picture of digital transformation in Canada’s labour market. The fact that a sizable share of workers are aware but not convinced of AI’s relevance hints at lingering uncertainty about practical implementation, training needs, and potential impacts on productivity.
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Implications for the workforce
For policymakers, the findings raise questions about how to support skill development and address gaps in AI literacy. The report notes that while many workers are moderately engaged with generative AI, the proportion using it extensively remains modest. This suggests room for targeted programs that move employees from occasional to routine use, especially in sectors where adoption lags.
Employers may need to clarify the value proposition of AI tools for roles that currently see low uptake. Demonstrating concrete use cases could shift the perception that AI is irrelevant for certain occupations.
Overall, the data paints a picture of cautious integration rather than wholesale disruption. The trend points toward gradual, sector‑specific adoption rather than an across‑the‑board overhaul of work processes.
For more detail, the full Statistics Canada report is available on the agency’s website.
