AI and the Future of Work in Canada: Jobs That Change, Jobs That Last

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is reshaping work in Canada. For many, the fear is real: will your job still be here in five or ten years? A growing body of research provides a clearer picture of what’s likely, what roles are vulnerable, what roles will evolve, and which ones may actually grow in demand.

Where Things Stand: Automation Risk Is Real But Not Catastrophic

A recent study from the Future Skills Centre found that about 22% of Canadian jobs are at high risk of automation by 2028. (fsc-ccf.ca) Another 40 % are at medium risk of change. But the key takeaway is this: most occupations won’t disappear,  they’ll evolve. (fsc-ccf.ca)

For example, while jobs reliant on very repetitive tasks (like bank tellers or some manufacturing lines) face high risk, roles that involve judgment, interpersonal skills, adaptation or domain-specific knowledge are far more resilient. (Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU))

How Canadian Workers Feel: Mixed Anxiety and Opportunity

Surveys show nearly half of Canadians worry their job could change or disappear because of AI. (Abacus Data) At the same time, demand for new skills is growing: one report found Canadian job postings for deep AI-skills grew significantly between 2018 and 2023. (educationnewscanada.com)

This split, between uncertainty and possibility, is shaping the workforce. The question isn’t just “Will my job be automated?” but rather “Will I adapt and stay relevant as work changes?”

Jobs with Better Prospects Over the Next 5-10 Years

Here’s a list of roles and fields that research suggests will fare better in Canada’s evolving job market:

• Health‐ and care-related roles: Because human empathy, understanding and connection are hard to automate — jobs in health information management, support work, allied health and administrative roles in healthcare are relatively safer. (mdccanada.ca)
• Roles combining technical and human skills: Rather than pure repetitive tech tasks, jobs that mix specialized domain knowledge with digital competency are rising. Data-driven, decision-making, workflow-oriented jobs fit here. (TheFutureEconomy.ca)
• Skilled trades and hands-on work: Many hands-on roles requiring physical adaptability, problem-solving in unpredictable environments, and site-specific expertise remain difficult for AI/robots to fully replicate. (Tom’s Guide)
• Support, administrative and coordination roles within growing sectors: While purely clerical tasks may be automated, roles that support complex systems, manage information, or coordinate teams are more resilient. (mdccanada.ca)

What This Means For You

• Upskill for human-plus-tech roles: Being able to use digital tools (including AI) and also perform the uniquely human parts of a job is becoming the differentiator.
• Focus on fields where people still matter: Care, support, regulation, administration and skilled crafts are areas where human involvement remains central.
• Choose education paths that keep you adaptable: Programs that teach core domain knowledge, support digital competency and allow for flexible learning help prepare you for shifts in the market.
• Be proactive about change: Don’t wait until you’re forced to adapt. Being ready now gives you more choice.

AI isn’t necessarily shrinking the job market — but it’s changing it. The key isn’t just whether a job will exist, but how it will evolve. By aligning with areas where human skills remain central and being prepared for the digital dimension of work, you position yourself for durability.

The next decade will favour those who adapt, blend human insight with technical tools, and choose roles where the value of people remains clear. Learn more about Ashton’s Career Programs here.