AI skills and capabilities in Canada

This paper analyses the demand for talent proficient in developing or working with Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems in Canada, utilising over 12 million online job postings (OJPs) from 2018 to 2023. The study reveals a steady increase in demand, which peaked in 2021 but has slowed in 2022 and 2023. Despite this, the demand for AI skills in specialised fields such as machine learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Neural Networks has expanded significantly. AI-related skills demand is concentrated in specific occupations, with data scientists, cloud engineers, and AI research roles leading the way and emphasising the focus on research and development in AI technologies. The paper concludes by stressing the importance of flexible academic pathways and strategies to encourage broader AI adoption and deployment in the Canadian economy.