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Canadians Unperturbed By Threats of Technological Advancement

Canadians are not concerned that emerging technologies might result in job loss, with many accepting that continued technological evolution is inevitable.

However, some are worried that artificial intelligence and automation may force them to relocate, according to a survey by polling firm Abacus Data. The survey includes 1,500 randomly selected Canadian adults online between April 21 and 24.

The large majority of those surveyed (89%) believe that technological change has been good for the world and almost as many (76%) think it has been good for their own economic well-being.

Many respondents said technology would change the way they lived whether they like it or not. “The broad consensus that technological change has been good for the world crosses party lines, generations, and self-defined class status,” Abacus said.

Respondents were more negative on the potentially harmful impacts of technology on the Canadian economy than from immigration or globalization.

About 28% of respondents expressed worry over the possible impact that artificial intelligence/automation and immigration would have on their lifestyle, but they did not show the same level of apprehension about other technological advances, or globalization.

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The result of the survey has surprised analysts, because a survey performed last year by Angus Reid Institute found that 63% of Canadians were seriously concerned that new technology would likely eliminate more jobs than would be created.

Narayan Ammachchi

News Editor for Nearshore Americas, Narayan Ammachchi is a career journalist with a decade of experience in politics and international business. He works out of his base in the Indian Silicon City of Bangalore.

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