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By Katlyn Eriksen

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Canada invests billions into AI job creation

May 20, 2024 | 10:30 AM

AI JOB GROWTH IN BRITISH COLUMBIA and wider Canada increased by almost a third in 2023, which is some of the biggest growth experienced across all sectors. And now, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a $2.4 billion funding package designed to boost jobs in Canada’s AI sector even further. Canada’s national AI strategy is one of the world’s first, and over $2 billion has been poured into AI development since 2017, Trudeau said in a recent statement. Kamloops residents are therefore set to benefit from new well-paid AI-related job opportunities in the not-so-distant future.

New job opportunities in key sectors

$2 billion of the new package will go toward development of suitable tech infrastructure for AI researchers and startups, while another $200 million will be given to AI startups in key sectors like health care, agriculture and manufacturing to develop new technologies. As B.C. plans on adding one million new jobs to its workforce by 2033, AI is certainly set to play a key role in these new positions, in addition to other professions. In case this prospect alone isn’t enough to excite Kamloopsians, it’s also worth noting that AI jobs are highly paid. Roughly 50 per cent of AI jobs in Canada have annual salaries of $82,000 or more.

“AI is already unlocking massive growth in industries across the economy. Many Canadians are already feeling the benefits of using AI to work smarter and faster. The rapid advance of generative AI today will unlock immense economic potential for Canada, and significantly improve productivity and reduce the time workers have to spend on repetitive tasks,” said Trudeau. “Researchers and companies in Canada are also using AI to create incredible new innovations and job opportunities across all facets of the Canadian economy, from drug discovery to energy efficiency to housing innovation.”

AI job creation: a growing trend

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Forty-four per cent of British Columbians say they see AI as an opportunity, rather than a threat, and as many Quebec residents feel the same. Just last year, 60 new jobs opened up in Quebec as battery manufacturer UgoWork received financial investment to develop their AI-driven Li-Ion battery technology. And in Alberta in 2023, 118 new jobs were also created after $147.5 million was invested into AI startups. Indeed, AI job creation is a rising trend across Canada.

Further afield in the United States, AI is also resulting in a similar influx of open positions in tech-based roles. In particular, tech hubs like San Francisco, San Jose, Austin and Raleigh have been proven to have good levels of job security thanks to the rise in AI jobs. Otherwise, states with a good mix of different industries are also fairly AI-proof, which means there’s low risk of AI stealing jobs. North Dakota, Nevada, and New Jersey, for example, have major agriculture, energy and hospitality industries that help provide job security as AI continues to develop.

AI skills now in demand by Canadian employers

Sixty-six per cent of Canadian employers say they now prioritize AI-skilled talent, a recent Amazon survey reveals. Tech companies are increasingly in need of employees who can design and develop AI products, or employees who know how to work with AI to improve speed and efficiency. Eighty-three per cent of Canadian businesses also say they anticipate implementing AI into their operations by 2028, while they’re also willing to pay around 25 per cent more to hire employees with AI skills.

“Everyone is looking for people who understand how to use AI,” commented Jenny Yang, Senior Advisor at Toronto-based MaRS urban innovation hub.

That said, 77 per cent of these Canadian employers also say it’s difficult to find qualified workers. So, in an effort to bridge this skills gap, brands like Amazon, Google, IBM, Microsoft and Amazon, as well as universities like Georgia Tech and Harvard University now provide free courses to help Canadians develop their AI skills and stand out in the job market.

Ultimately, Kamloops residents will benefit from promised AI job creation.

“Today’s announcement is about investing in innovation and economic growth to secure Canada’s world-leading AI advantage today and for generations to come,” said Trudeau. “This will create good-paying opportunities for every generation, boost innovation across the economy, raise productivity and accelerate economic growth.”

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.