Canada's AI Ecosystem: A Brief Overview of In-Demand Skills and Trends

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries across Canada, driving demand for skilled professionals who can develop, implement, and manage AI-driven solutions. However, as AI adoption accelerates, businesses face challenges finding qualified talent with the necessary skills to support innovation and growth.

Understanding the key roles and competencies shaping Canada’s AI workforce is essential for addressing these gaps and ensuring long-term competitiveness.

From May to October 2024, ICTC conducted research to identify the critical roles and skill sets driving Canada’s AI industry, which is projected to grow at an annual rate of 33.9% from 2023 to 2028.  

This report outlines the key roles propelling AI in Canada—including AI engineers, AI researchers, computer vision engineers, data engineers, data scientists, machine learning engineers, and software developers—and highlights the essential skills and competencies required for entry-level professionals to succeed in these roles. It also provides students, educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders with insights into the skills and technologies shaping Canada’s AI industry.