CLMR event explores new technology’s impact on future employment

Artificial intelligence (AI) will create more jobs than destroy them, says Buzz Hargrove, well-recognized Canadian labour leader and Executive Director, Centre for Labour Management Relations (CLMR), at a TRSM event that explored the future challenges and opportunities for workers in the face of new technology. 

Hargrove noted, however, that we have to approach things differently and find another way to deal with labour services.  He pointed out at the event, which was hosted by the CLMR on May 1, 2018, that we have some of the lowest unemployment levels right now in our provinces, so what we have to address is the question of quality of jobs and improving the pay and benefits for people.

Sean Mullin, Executive Director, Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship, shares Hargrove’s belief that technology will create new jobs and opportunities in the future.  He points out, however, that technology could put some jobs at risk long-term, such as sales people, because of the automation of tasks.  He also feels that there is cause for concern with new areas of the economy that haven’t had to deal with the threat of AI yet. 

A number of suggestions on how to prepare for the potential threat were offered at the event, which was moderated by Diane Francis, National Post Editor-at-Large and Distinguished Visiting Professor at TRSM, Stacey Allerton, Vice-President of Human Resources, Ford Motor Company of Canada, says that we need be proactive and have more conversations now on how to get in front of this so people can be prepared to contribute to the workforce in the future, rather than be left behind. 

Ali Asaria suggests moving to an apprenticeship model to teach people new skills and trying to start something on your own. He founded the company Tulip Retail, a mobile platform built for next generation retail store associates to offer a world-class omnichannel experience, which helps transform retail workers to make them relevant for the times. 

Dave Bulmer, President, Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario (AMAPCEO), also spoke about the need for retraining, explaining that there are opportunities for colleges to partner with companies for retraining and that the employer needs to contribute.  He added that reducing retirement age, job-sharing and succession planning are needed as well. 

What is also needed, suggests Karim Bardeesy, Special Advisor to the Premier, Government of Ontario, is employment insurance reform and policy incentives for lifelong learning.