Ottawa’s chief data officer, Stephen Burt, says the federal government’s adoption of artificial intelligence is likely to result in some public service job cuts, though the scale and timing remain unclear. Burt emphasized that the impact will vary across departments, with efforts focused on offering retraining and job transition opportunities for affected employees.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government made AI-driven efficiency a key campaign promise, and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has tasked departments with cutting program spending by 15 per cent over three years. In August, Ottawa signed an agreement with Canadian AI firm Cohere to explore where AI could enhance operations, from analyzing satellite imagery and forecasting weather to predicting tax case outcomes and processing visa applications.
The government also plans to launch a public AI registry to keep Canadians informed about ongoing projects, though no timeline has been announced. Burt insists AI will be just one of many tools used to boost efficiency, but critics worry about the human cost. Sharon DeSousa, president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, warned that AI cannot replace human service and said cuts could mean fewer services for Canadians. She urged the government to consult unions before deploying AI.
Academics share similar caution. Catherine Connelly of McMaster University noted that Canadians have reason to be wary after past IT failures like the Phoenix pay system and ArriveCan app. She warned that AI should not replace human decision-making in areas with legal or hiring implications.
Union leaders remain skeptical about how transparent the government is being. Sean O’Reilly, president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, said unions are often informed about AI initiatives after the fact and have not been meaningfully consulted. While he sees potential for AI to take over repetitive tasks and free up public servants’ time, he fears it will also erode human judgment and eliminate jobs.