Unions are raising concerns about Canada’s AI strategy, released on June 4, arguing it prioritizes corporate over public interest and workers. The federal plan aims to increase AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees said the strategy downplays risks and lacks meaningful safeguards for jobs, privacy and workers’ data rights.
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) called for “stronger AI laws, independent oversight, protections against surveillance and discrimination, and a greater role for unions in shaping how AI is used.”
Speaking at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, CLC Secretary-Treasurer Lily Chang warned that some governments and employers see AI as an opportunity to eliminate jobs, intensify work and expand surveillance. She called for stronger labour protections, updated laws and meaningful worker input into AI governance.
Education International, the global federation of teacher and education worker unions, has similarly urged the International Labour Organization to ensure AI supports rather than replaces educators, and that teachers and their unions play a leading role in decisions about its use in education.
Academics have also voiced concerns. Michael Geist, Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-Commerce Law at the University of Ottawa, argued that the strategy relies heavily on privacy reform and online harms legislation to build public trust, despite broader risks such as automated hiring decisions.
Wendy H. Wong, professor of political science and Principal’s Research Chair at the University of British Columbia, warned that pursuing widespread AI adoption before establishing appropriate governance is “unwise, if not simply irresponsible.”
Last year, CAUT published a policy statement on generative AI, outlining the need for clear guardrails to protect equity, privacy, intellectual property and copyright, academic freedom, collegial governance, institutional autonomy, job security and working conditions.
