Job Displacement and AI

Automation vs. Augmentation

The Numbers

42% of Canadian workforce at high risk of automation
BUT: AI is more likely to transform jobs than eliminate them
Statistics Canada (2024): 31% of Canadians in jobs highly exposed to AI but less complementary with it
Some workplaces are already mandating AI use (e.g., Shopify)

New Skills and Jobs

Emerging roles include:

AI Ethics Specialists
Prompt Engineers
AI Trainers and Quality Reviewers

The value of “human” skills is increasing:

Creativity and original thinking
Emotional intelligence
Complex problem-solving
Interpersonal communication

Libraries as Workforce Development Hubs

Libraries can play a crucial role in helping communities adapt:

Bridge the digital divide
Offer AI literacy programs
Support community upskilling
Provide access to tools for continuous learning

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