As artificial intelligence slowly creeps into more aspects of our lives, a majority of Canadians are viewing the new technology with skepticism rather than enthusiasm. This is according to a study released Thursday, suggesting Canadians aren't warming to the introduction of AI into our lives.
The study found that 43% of Canadians hold negative views of the technology, 24% hold critical views, 16% report positive impressions, and 17% are unsure. One-in-three Canadians are divided between seeing the technology positively or uncertainly.
The study was based on responses to four specific questions: whether AI is a force for good in society, whether everyone has the same opportunity to benefit from AI, whether AI will create a prosperity gap between those comfortable and uncomfortable using it, and how trustworthy respondents feel the information they get from AI platforms is.
Despite skepticism, Canadians are using AI more often. Compared to responses gathered in November 2025, six per cent more people said they use AI "several times a day" (10% last year compared to 16% this year). The number of people who use AI once per day increased from six per cent to eight per cent.
Many Canadians are encountering AI-generated information or built-in AI features in apps and programs without specifically asking for them. Fifty-two per cent said their exposure to AI is passive, while 32% said they actively use AI-specific apps, and 15% said they weren't sure.
As for potential benefits of AI, 43% said its ability to learn or research topics quickly, 37% said it made information much easier to access, 35% said it saves time, and 29% said it makes tasks easier or more convenient. Concerns over people losing the ability to think critically or solve problems ranked as the number one concern with 41%, followed by questions concerning the veracity of AI-generated content.
The poll was conducted between May 7 and 11 among a random sample of 1,842 Canadian adults. While margins of error cannot be applied to polls conducted via online panels, a comparable sample size would yield a margin of ±2%, 19 times out of 20.
