Canada is lagging behind global peers in AI trust and literacy

Canada has long been recognized for its early leadership in artificial intelligence. But today, the data shows we’re at risk of losing that edge — not because of a lack of innovation, but because of growing uncertainty and a gap in public understanding.

Canada ranks among the least AI literate nations globally, holding the fourth-lowest position in AI training and literacy in a ranking of 47 countries. Many Canadians also express limited knowledge about AI and lack confidence in their ability to use AI tools effectively.

That’s according to Trust, attitudes and use of artificial intelligence: A global study 2025 from KPMG International and The University of Melbourne, which reveals concerning trends about AI literacy and trust in Canada. The study surveyed more than 48,000 people in 30 advanced economies and 17 emerging economies.

Many Canadians say they lack confidence using AI tools and don’t fully understand how they work. Trust levels are also low, with Canada ranking sixth-lowest in willingness to rely on information generated by AI.

Encouragingly, Canadians are clear about what they want: better education, stronger oversight, and trustworthy institutions to guide the path forward. They place the most confidence in universities and research bodies, and they expect industry and government to step up with smart regulation and clear standards.

If Canada can respond to this call, we have a chance to move from hesitation to leadership and building a more informed, empowered, and innovation-ready population.

Read on for the key Canadian findings and delve into the full global research.

While Canadians are cautious about AI, many remain open to its potential. Today, 34% express a willingness to trust information generated from AI, and 50% approve of or accept its use. At the same time, four in five (79%) say they are concerned about possible negative outcomes, which makes it essential for organizations to recognize these concerns and take proactive steps to build trust and confidence.

Top concerns include cybersecurity risks (87%) and loss of privacy or intellectual property (86%). Many Canadians also highlight challenges such as a decline in human connection (86%) and the spread of misinformation and disinformation (83%).

These concerns point to a clear path forward. Canadians want to see stronger guardrails in place to ensure AI is deployed responsibly. A large majority (92%) say they are unaware of any existing laws, regulations, or policies that govern AI in Canada, underscoring the need for clearer communication and leadership on governance. Three-quarters (75%) believe that effective regulation is necessary and expect both government and industry to work together to establish consistent, internationally aligned standards.

Importantly, Canadians are not rejecting AI. Despite their concerns, 70% believe AI will lead to positive outcomes, and 60% say they are seeing benefits in their personal or professional lives. This optimism reflects a strong foundation for responsible growth if organizations and policymakers engage Canadians directly, address their concerns, and demonstrate how AI can deliver real value.

34% are willing to trust AI

79% are concerned about the possible negative outcomes of AI

92% are not aware of any laws that apply to AI in Canada

75% believe that AI regulation is needed

At the same time, many Canadians feel they are not yet equipped to fully take advantage of AI. Less than a quarter (24%) of Canadian respondents say they have received training in AI, and fewer than 4 in 10 (38%) said they have moderate or high knowledge of AI, compared to 52% globally. Less than half (47%) believe they can effectively use AI tools.

The gap in AI literacy contributes significantly to employee anxiety as organizations adopt AI technologies. Improving AI literacy must involve robust educational initiatives tailored to a mixed workforce with varied levels of comfort and understanding with AI. This approach can help transform fears into acceptance, creating a more knowledgeable workforce that feels comfortable working with AI tools.

As AI becomes part of daily work, organizations have a clear opportunity to help employees use these tools more effectively and safely. Many of the current challenges stem from gaps in training and unclear policies, not resistance to using the technology itself.

More than half (56%) of Canadian respondents reveal that their over-reliance on AI has resulted in errors, unchecked outputs, and reduced effort into tasks. In addition, 48% acknowledge using AI in ways that may not fully align with workplace guidelines, often due to uncertainty about appropriate usage.

These risks can be addressed. Focused training, clear policies, and simple guardrails can help employees understand when and how to use AI tools properly. With the right support, organizations can turn early missteps into a foundation for safer, more productive AI adoption.

Key insights:

• 56% reveal their over-reliance on AI has resulted in errors, unchecked outputs, and reduced efforts into tasks
  
• 55% have relied on AI outputs at work without evaluating the information
  
• 48% admit to inappropriate use of AI at work

Despite their anxiety around AI, a growing number of Canadian workers are engaging with AI in their daily tasks, with 61% intentionally using AI tools at work. However, this adoption rate contrasts sharply with the 39% who state they never use AI in their professional environment.

Nearly half (46%) of respondents recognize that AI is changing how they approach their work, while more than 44% report seeing gains in efficiency, quality, and innovation. These early results show that AI, when applied thoughtfully, is already delivering value across organizations.

However, adoption also brings new pressures. More than one quarter (27%) of respondents report an increase in workload and stress due to AI, and 40% worry about being left behind if they don’t develop AI skills. These concerns reinforce the importance of equipping employees with support to feel confident and capable in an AI-enabled workplace.

Key insights:

• 61% of Canadian workers intentionally use AI at work
• 44%+ report increased efficiency, quality of work, and innovation
• 27% report an increase in workload or stress and pressure at work due to AI

Canadians are looking for practical steps that build trust and make AI adoption feel safe, useful, and transparent. Organizations that take a thoughtful approach today will be better positioned to scale AI with confidence.

Key steps include:

• Robust training programs: Build AI literacy across the workforce through practical, accessible education. Help employees understand how AI works, where it can help, and the ethical standards that guide its use.
• Transparent communication: Be clear about how AI is being used and its potential impact on jobs. Open dialogue helps reduce fear and fosters greater engagement.
• Clear governance frameworks: Establish and communicate straightforward policies on acceptable AI use, data privacy, and security to reduce risk.
• Transformation mindset: Treat AI adoption as a business transformation, not just a technical upgrade. This requires leadership commitment at all levels.
• Culture of experimentation: Encourage employees to explore AI, share what they learn, and help one another build confidence and capability.
• Upskill for the future: Continuous upskilling to support new work and roles associated with AI investments, and to capitalize on higher value work that could be completed with reinvested capacity.

With the right investments and leadership, Canadian organizations can build a stronger, more trusted AI foundation, and turn today’s concerns into tomorrow’s competitive advantage.

The ‘Trust, attitudes and use of artificial intelligence: A global study 2025’ was led by Professor Nicole Gillespie, Chair of Trust at Melbourne Business School at the University of Melbourne and Dr Steve Lockey, Senior Research Fellow at Melbourne Business School, in collaboration with KPMG, is the most comprehensive global study into the public’s trust, use and attitudes towards AI. The study surveyed over 48,000 people across 47 countries — including 1,025 people in Canada — between November 2024 and January 2025. Of the 1,025 people surveyed in Canada, 51% were women and 49% men; 10% were aged 18-24; 34% were 25-44; 33% were 45-64; and 23% were 65 or older.