About 40% of Canadian workers surveyed by the Bank of Canada said they use AI at work. Those users estimated that completing the same work without AI would take about five extra hours each week.
The most interesting AI statistic this month is not a forecast. It is what Canadian workers say is already happening to their time.
Estimated weekly time saved by workers who use AI, according to the Bank of Canada survey.
How workers say they are using the time
Most AI use involved generative tools. Users typically reported using AI three or four days a week and spending less than an hour actively using it on those days. The saved time was most often redirected toward better-quality work or additional tasks.
Roughly one-third of users also reported putting some of the saved time toward work-life balance, learning new skills, training others, or more creative work.
The uncomfortable half of the story
Workers in sectors where tasks are more replaceable by AI reported weaker confidence in the labour market and more concern about finding another job. At the same time, workers who currently use AI generally said it improved their productivity.
The near-term advantage is not “AI replaces everyone.” It is that a worker who learns to supervise the tool can finish routine work faster and spend more time on judgement, relationships and decisions.
Three practical moves
- Track one repeatable task. Measure the minutes before and after using an approved AI tool.
- Protect confidential information. Use only tools and data practices approved by your employer.
- Invest the saved time. Use some of it to improve the output or learn a skill that is harder to automate.
About the survey
The Bank’s third-quarter survey was conducted online from August 5 to 27, 2026, with follow-up interviews into early September. It reports respondents’ views and does not necessarily represent the Bank of Canada’s own conclusions.
Official source
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