Thursday, the Government of Canada released its new National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, AI for All. While much of the public conversation around AI focuses on technology, the strategy is equally a workforce development and skills strategy. Its central premise is that Canadians must be prepared to understand, use, and benefit from AI, rather than simply react to it. The strategy sets ambitious goals, including providing AI literacy training to Canadians, supporting workforce reskilling, increasing AI adoption among small and medium-sized businesses, and creating new pathways into AI-related employment. It also recognizes the importance of protecting Canadians from misinformation, privacy risks, and other harms associated with rapidly evolving technologies.

For ASPECT members, several themes stand out.

First, the strategy acknowledges that successful AI adoption requires people, not just technology. Community organizations, training providers, educators, employers, and workforce development partners are identified as critical to helping Canadians build the skills and confidence needed to navigate change. This aligns closely with the work our members do every day.

Second, the strategy places significant emphasis on supporting workers through transition. As AI changes how work is performed, there will be a growing demand for career development, skills assessment, training, and employment services that help people adapt to evolving labour market needs. Community-based employment service providers are well-positioned to play an important role in that work.

Finally, the strategy reinforces the need for thoughtful adoption. While AI presents opportunities to improve productivity, service delivery, and access to information, it also raises important questions about privacy, bias, accessibility, and inclusion. As a sector that supports many individuals facing barriers to employment, we have an important role to play in ensuring that technological change benefits everyone, not just those already well-positioned to take advantage of it.

As governments, employers, and communities continue to explore the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, the employment services sector can help shape how Canadians prepare for the future of work. The conversation is no longer about whether AI will affect our labour market—it is about how we ensure people and communities are ready for what comes next.

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT

Next week: BC's New Anti-Racism Action Plan