Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology that is reshaping the world, we live in. From autonomous vehicles to intelligent virtual assistants, AI is driving innovation and changing the way we work and live. Canada has been at the forefront of this transformation, with a thriving tech industry and a strong focus on AI research and development. However, there is a pressing need for more AI engineers to support the growing demand for AI-enabled products and services. In fact, Canada needs at least 50,000 AI engineers to meet the current and future needs of its tech industry.
Driving Factors
The demand for AI engineers in Canada is driven by following factors:
- Global Market: The global market for AI-enabled products and services is rapidly growing. According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global AI market is expected to grow from $21.5 billion in 2018 to $190.6 billion by 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate of 36.6%. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of AI in industries such as healthcare, finance, retail, and transportation.
- Booming Tech Industry in Canada: Canada’s tech industry is booming. According to a report by CBRE Group, Inc., Toronto, and Vancouver are among the fastest-growing tech markets in North America, with a combined 80,000 tech jobs added between 2013 and 2018. The report also notes that Toronto is the fastest-growing tech market in North America, with a growth rate of 54% between 2013 and 2018. This growth is driven by a favourable business environment, a highly educated workforce, and a strong focus on innovation and technology.
- Strong Focus on AI Research & Development: Canada has a strong focus on AI research and development. The country is home to some of the world’s leading AI research institutions, including the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA), and the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII). These institutions are driving innovation in AI and developing cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of the industry.
- Shortage of AI Engineers in Canada: Despite all of these positive trends, Canada is facing a significant shortage of AI engineers. According to a report by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), there were only 10,000 AI-related job postings in Canada in 2018, while the number of AI professionals in the country was estimated to be around 3,000. This gap between supply and demand is expected to widen in the coming years as the adoption of AI continues to grow and the tech industry expands.
To address this shortage, Canada needs to take action to attract and train more AI engineers.
Solution
One solution is to increase funding for AI research and development. This will enable AI research institutions to expand their programs and attract more talented researchers and engineers to the field. It will also help to create a more favourable environment for AI startups and businesses, which can drive innovation and create new jobs in the industry.
Another solution is to improve education and training programs for AI engineers. This can be done by increasing funding for AI-related courses and programs at universities and colleges, and by providing more opportunities for hands-on learning and practical experience. This will help to develop a pipeline of skilled AI engineers who can meet the needs of the tech industry and contribute to Canada’s innovation economy.
Finally, Canada needs to take steps to attract and retain AI talent from around the world. This can be done by implementing more flexible immigration policies and providing more support for international students and workers who want to study and work in Canada. This will help to address the talent shortage in the short term and build a diverse and highly skilled workforce for the future. And in conclusion, Canada needs at least 50,000 AI engineers to meet the current and future needs of its tech industry.