An overwhelming majority of Canadians believe artificial intelligence should be regulated by government authorities, according to recent polling data that reveals a complex relationship between public support for AI oversight and growing workplace adoption of the technology.
Strong Mandate for Government Oversight
Recent survey research conducted by Leger reveals that 85% of Canadians support government regulation of AI tools, with 57% expressing strong support for such oversight. This widespread backing for regulatory intervention reflects deep-seated concerns about AI’s potential societal impact, even as usage continues to expand across various sectors.
The public’s appetite for regulation comes despite divided opinions on AI’s overall effect on society. Only 34% of Canadians view AI as beneficial for society, while 36% consider it harmful, and approximately 31% remain uncertain about its impact. This ambivalence suggests that calls for regulation stem from caution rather than outright rejection of the technology.
Trust Varies by Application Context
Canadian attitudes toward AI demonstrate significant variation depending on how the technology is deployed. Survey data indicates that 64% of Canadians trust AI for simple household tasks and educational support, but confidence drops substantially for more sensitive applications. Only 36% would rely on AI for health advice, 31% for legal guidance, and a mere 18% believe it could effectively replace teachers.
These patterns reflect a nuanced understanding among Canadians about where AI can provide value versus where human expertise remains essential. The trust differential suggests that regulatory frameworks may need to account for varying risk levels across different AI applications.
Workplace Adoption Shows Generational Divide
Despite regulatory concerns, AI adoption in Canadian workplaces continues to accelerate, with 61% of workers intentionally using AI tools in their professional environments. However, this adoption reveals stark generational differences in both usage patterns and productivity outcomes.
Among workers who currently use AI, 69% of Generation Z employees report productivity enhancements, compared to 59% of Millennials, 50% of Generation X, and just 38% of Baby Boomers. Similarly, younger workers are more likely to view AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, with 32% of Gen Z respondents expressing optimism about AI’s impact on future employment prospects.
The productivity benefits reported by AI users are substantial, with surveys indicating that 56% of Canadians using AI at work say it enhances their output. More than half report saving between one to three hours per week, while 26% save up to six hours weekly. These efficiency gains are driving continued adoption despite lingering concerns about the technology.
Privacy and Security Concerns Drive Regulatory Support
Canadian concerns about AI center heavily on privacy, cybersecurity, and societal dependence issues. Research shows that 83% express privacy concerns and fear society becoming too dependent on AI, while 78% worry about job displacement and the spread of misinformation. Additionally, 87% cite cybersecurity risks as a top concern, and 86% fear loss of privacy or intellectual property.
These apprehensions are compounded by widespread lack of awareness about existing AI governance structures. A striking 92% of Canadians report being unaware of any current laws, regulations, or policies governing AI in the country. This knowledge gap underscores demands for clearer regulatory frameworks and better public communication about AI oversight measures.
Rising Deepfake Threats Highlight Regulatory Urgency
The urgency of AI regulation has been amplified by increasing incidents of deepfake technology being used maliciously against Canadian political figures. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Prime Minister Mark Carney have both been targeted in sophisticated deepfake video campaigns promoting cryptocurrency schemes they never endorsed.
These deepfake incidents represent a concerning trend where AI-generated content is used to impersonate public officials for fraudulent purposes. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has warned that threat actors are increasingly using AI-generated text and voice messages to steal money and sensitive information. Such developments demonstrate the real-world harms that unregulated AI can enable.
Government Shifts Toward Pro-Growth Approach
Despite strong public support for AI regulation, Canada’s newly appointed Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Evan Solomon, has signaled a shift away from heavy regulatory emphasis toward economic benefits and adoption. In his inaugural speech, Solomon indicated that Canada would move away from “over-indexing on warnings and regulation” to ensure the economy benefits from AI development.
Solomon has outlined four core priorities for his ministry: scaling Canada’s AI industry, driving adoption, ensuring public trust, and maintaining AI sovereignty. This approach represents a departure from previous government efforts that emphasized balancing innovation with safety guardrails.
The minister’s office has stated that the government “remains committed” to ensuring responsible AI use while investing in secure infrastructure and developing responsible AI frameworks. However, the emphasis appears to have shifted toward capturing economic opportunities rather than restricting AI development through regulation.
Implementation Challenges Ahead
The tension between strong public demand for AI regulation and government priorities focused on economic growth presents significant policy challenges. While 75% of Canadians believe effective regulation is necessary and expect government-industry collaboration on consistent standards, the new administration’s pro-adoption stance may not fully align with these public expectations.
Canada’s previous attempt at comprehensive AI legislation, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), stalled in Parliament and died when the legislature was prorogued. The proposed law would have established a risk-based regulatory framework for AI systems, with stricter requirements for high-impact applications.
Moving forward, Canadian policymakers must navigate competing pressures: responding to clear public demand for AI oversight while positioning the country competitively in the global AI economy. The challenge will be developing regulatory approaches that build public trust without stifling the innovation and adoption that could drive economic growth.
The path ahead requires balancing legitimate public concerns about AI safety, privacy, and societal impact with the need to harness AI’s potential benefits for productivity and economic development. Success will likely depend on inclusive policy development that addresses citizen concerns while enabling responsible AI advancement across Canadian society.
