Over time, certain advances in technology have changed the way people work – and many predict this will be the case with artificial intelligence (AI). AI is increasingly being adopted across various economic sectors. Its current and future impacts on the world of work are still unclear, though many agree that there will be significant shifts in how large portions of the workforce perform their daily tasks.

Over the course of five meetings, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities heard from government officials, academics, labour representatives and businesses about the impacts that AI technologies are having and will continue to have on the labour force.

The committee learned about the potential impacts AI technologies could have on workers, businesses and workplaces. Witnesses also discussed the need for a better mechanism for the government to hear from experts on emerging AI issues as well as for more data collection. Based on the testimony received, the committee provides recommendations to the Government of Canada relating to: strengthening the ways in which workers’ rights are protected; better supporting the ethical adoption of AI on the part of businesses and employers; and undertaking better monitoring and data collection to examine the current and future impacts of AI technologies on the labour force.