‘Canadians are optimistic about their futures, but they're also not being naïve about the impact AI will have on their careers’
Business leaders and HR professionals need to better prepare jobs and workplaces to meet the demand that’s going to be presented by young workers entering the workforce, based on the findings of a recent study.
That’s because 54% of Canadians say that artificial intelligence (AI) advancements have caused them to reconsider their educational or professional plans, reports 10KC.
That’s the case as 45% said the technology has made them concerned about their own job security.
Among respondents enrolled in a post-secondary institution, more than half said they had changed their academic focus or program in direct response to AI, according to the survey of over 800 respondents conducted between June 15 and July 10, 2026.
Over 6 in 10 (62%) of respondents said they had asked an AI tool for career advice in the past year, 10KC found, a habit most common among younger workers. Over 7 in 10 (71%) of those aged 25 to 29 reported doing so, compared with less than half of those over 40.
"Canadians are optimistic about their futures, but they're also not being naïve about the impact AI will have on their careers," said Erynn Gauld, Head of Social Impact & Strategic Partnerships for 10KC. “Our data suggests many are proactively seeking to update their skills, grow their networks, pivot their career plans or educate themselves in order to stay ahead of these changes.”
Nearly all (95%) enterprises have delayed or cancelled AI projects over the past year because of data governance and infrastructure shortfalls, according to a previous report.
And many organizations are still not providing proper guidance or enough training around workers’ AI use, according to a previous report.
Workers seek AI training
A third of respondents said they have pursued additional professional training in response to AI, according to 10KC, while 28% conducted independent research and 22% took part in employer-led AI training.
Less than a third of respondents reported taking no career action in response to AI advancements, the survey found.
Canadians have expressed broad confidence in the country's economic trajectory in the face of rapid technological change and mounting economic challenges.
Amid the disruption, roughly 40% of respondents said Canada is well positioned to compete in the global AI economy, and another 40% described the country's position as neutral. Only 20% said Canada is somewhat or very poorly positioned.
Over 8 in 10 (81%) of respondents expressed at least some concern about the upcoming CUSMA renegotiation, including 28% who described themselves as "very concerned," according to 10KC. Concern was highest among workers in HR and recruitment, retail and e-commerce, and consulting and professional services.
Nearly 3 in 4 (73%) business leaders say their organization will likely create new entry-level roles centred on AI over the next two years, according to a previous report. A further 52% said they expect to hire more entry-level talent specifically because of AI.
