China’s AI labour ruling invites reflection on Canada’s approach

As a Chinese court moves to curb AI‑driven demotions and dismissals, Simon Blanchette, a lecturer at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management, says the ruling highlights how unprepared Canada is for AI‑led labour disruption.

He argues that implementing similar protections would be difficult in Canada’s decentralized labour system, where provinces, industries and unions would all need to align. Rather than trying to slow adoption, Blanchette says the focus should be on readiness.

“AI today is as weak as it will be in our lifetime,” he said, warning that without urgent action on education, reskilling and legislation, workers risk being left vulnerable as the technology rapidly improves.