Overdependence among top concerns about technology, says report
Canadians remain cautious about trusting artificial intelligence, even as the use and satisfaction of AI tools continue to rise across the country, according to a recent Leger report.
Nearly six in 10 Canadians (57 per cent) have used an AI tool — a sharp increase from 47 per cent in March 2025.
Of these, three-quarters (75 per cent) rate their experience as good or excellent.
However, Canadians are divided when it comes to the impact of the new tech: 34 per cent say AI is good for society, 36 per cent believe it is harmful, and 31 per cent are unsure.
Many respondents think AI is good for society specifically in the areas of everyday convenience (68 per cent) and productivity and efficiency at work (65 per cent).
Over nine in 10 (92 per cent) of small- and medium-sized business (SMBs) leaders are confident in their company's growth prospects over the next few years, and they are banking on AI and automation, according to KPMG.
Do Canadians trust AI?
Trust in AI varies widely by context, according to Leger’s survey of over 1,500 Canadians conducted Aug. 22–25, 2025.
A majority trust AI for simple household tasks (64 per cent)—an increase of 11 percentage points since March 2025—or educational support (48 per cent), but only about one in three would rely on it for health advice (36 per cent) or financial or legal guidance (32 per cent and 31 per cent, respectively).
Canadians express strong concerns: 83 per cent have privacy worries, 83 per cent fear society will become too dependent, and 78 per cent believe AI threatens jobs, spreads false information during elections, or lacks the emotions and empathy to make good decisions.
However, Canadians also see some benefits: 60 per cent say AI improves efficiency, 44 per cent think it reduces human error, and 42 per cent find its content accurate.
In addition, the vast majority of Canadians (85 per cent) believe AI should be regulated by governments to ensure ethical and safe use, with 57 per cent strongly in favour of such regulation. Support is stronger among older Canadians (87 per cent of those aged 55 and older).
When AI tools cause harm, Canadians primarily hold AI companies responsible (57 per cent), while fewer assign blame to the user (18 per cent) or the government (11 per cent). Canadians who have used an AI tool are more likely to hold the government accountable (22 per cent).
Earlier this year, Ottawa introduced a new National Cyber Security Strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s digital defenses. Before that, one report noted that the adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in Canadian workplaces has surged, but many Canadians may be risking sensitive data in the process, according to a previous KPMG report.
“This is the moment for leaders to set bold AI commitments and to meet employee needs with on-the-job training and human-centric development,” say experts from McKinsey & Company.
“As leaders and employees work together to reimagine their businesses from the bottom up, AI can evolve from a productivity enhancer into a transformative superpower—an effective partner that increases human agency. Leaders who can replace fear of uncertainty with imagination of possibility will discover new applications for AI, not only as a tool to optimise existing workflows but also as a catalyst to solve bigger business and human challenges.”
