Building Responsible and Inclusive AI for Every Canadian
AI adoption in Canada is accelerating across industries. Discover how experts from Akkodis and leading organizations are shaping ethical, inclusive, and future-ready AI that empowers every Canadian.
6 minutes
8th of January, 2026
Artificial intelligence is transforming Canada’s economy at an unprecedented pace. From public services and financial institutions to healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, organizations across the country are rapidly adopting AI and automation to drive efficiency and innovation. But as Canada moves forward, one critical question emerges: How do we build ethical, responsible, and inclusive AI systems that benefit every Canadian? This was the central theme of a national virtual panel jointly hosted by Akkodis, The Collective AI, and the Toronto Region Board of Trade—bringing together experts in AI strategy, cloud innovation, cybersecurity, digital policy, and workforce transformation.
Canada’s AI Readiness: Insights From the Akkodis AI Market Survey
The Akkodis AI Market Readiness Survey highlights how Canada is progressing on its AI transformation journey. Organizations are investing heavily in cloud platforms, machine learning, automation, and generative AI—yet readiness remains uneven. Many businesses still face obstacles such as data quality issues, talent shortages, and uncertainty around evolving regulations and governance frameworks.
AI adoption is accelerating, but readiness varies widely. Strong data foundations, workforce development, and responsible governance are urgently needed.
Canadian leaders are increasingly exploring generative AI for productivity, analytics, and strategic decision-making. However, closing the digital-skills gap will be essential to ensuring equitable progress.AI Is Transforming — Not Replacing — the Canadian Workforce
One of the strongest messages from the panel: AI is evolving the workforce, not eliminating it. Instead of replacing people, AI is shifting job roles and creating demand for new digital skills across industries.
AI augments human capability. It’s changing jobs, not erasing them.
Emerging roles include data governance specialists, AI operations managers, prompt engineers, cybersecurity analysts, cloud engineers, automation developers, and AI ethics reviewers. AI-powered tools are already improving service delivery in healthcare, public administration, financial services, and supply chain operations.
Upskilling Canada: Building a Future-Ready and Inclusive Workforce
For Canada to fully benefit from AI, workforce development must be inclusive and accessible. Panelists emphasized the importance of scaling digital literacy, enabling SMEs to adopt AI confidently, and strengthening collaboration across public and private sectors.
Upskilling is no longer optional—it’s a national economic strategy.
A future-ready workforce requires sustained investment in education, lifelong learning, and programs that empower traditionally underserved communities to participate in the digital economy.
Actionable Recommendations for Leaders & Policymakers
Experts shared practical guidance for leaders navigating Canada’s AI transformation. Their recommendations include building AI strategies aligned with business goals, modernizing data systems to ensure interoperability, and adopting cloud-ready architectures capable of scaling AI.
Responsible, human-centered AI design is essential for trust, fairness, and long-term adoption.
Leaders are encouraged to foster cross-sector collaboration, strengthen cybersecurity practices, and apply change-management methods that support employees as they adapt to new tools.
Meet the Experts Shaping Canada’s AI Future
The panel brought together influential voices in AI innovation, governance, and digital transformation:
- James Hinton – Founder, Own Innovation
- Tao Qiu – Country President, Adecco Group Canada (Moderator)
- Kim St-Georges – CIO & Head of Partnerships, The Collective AI
- Megan Wickens – Global Head of SparkAI
- Alex Chan – Microsoft Azure Leader, Cloud & AI Platforms
These leaders shared cross-industry insights into building a resilient, ethical, and forward-thinking AI ecosystem for Canada.
Watch the Full Virtual Panel: “From Code to Community”
The discussion offers essential insights for business and technology leaders, public-sector policymakers, and HR strategists working on reskilling and digital transformation initiatives. It provides a blueprint for building an inclusive, high-trust AI ecosystem across Canada.
AI is not just a technology shift—it is a national capability.
The full recording provides practical frameworks for strengthening governance, scaling innovation, and preparing teams for AI adoption.
Conclusion: An AI-Powered Canada for All
Canada stands at a pivotal moment. With the right investments in digital skills, responsible governance, and ethical innovation, the country can establish global leadership in inclusive AI. By prioritizing people, transparency, and trust, Canada can ensure its AI future supports communities, strengthens industries, and accelerates national prosperity.
AI is more than code—it’s a community effort that must serve every Canadian.
The path forward is clear: build AI that works for all.