Canada's persistent productivity challenges are set to become a major catalyst for the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence across the country in the coming year, according to a leading legal expert in the field.
Expert Analysis Points to Economic Pressure
In a recent year-end review featured on BNN Bloomberg, Naim Antaki, the co-leader of the Canadian Artificial Intelligence Group at the law firm Gowling WLG, provided a comprehensive overview of AI's trajectory in Canada. The central thesis of his analysis is that economic necessity, driven by a productivity gap, will force Canadian businesses to turn to AI solutions at an accelerated pace throughout 2026.
Antaki's commentary, published on December 23, 2025, suggests that the competitive pressures of a global economy will leave Canadian companies with little choice but to integrate AI technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve output.
The Driving Force: Lagging Productivity
The core issue identified is Canada's longstanding struggle with productivity growth, which has consistently trailed behind other advanced economies. This gap is not merely a statistical concern but a real-world business challenge that impacts profitability, wages, and international competitiveness.
Artificial intelligence, with its capabilities in automation, data analysis, and process optimization, is increasingly seen as a viable tool to bridge this divide. Antaki's review implies that the economic imperative will overcome lingering hesitancy, leading to a surge in AI implementation across various sectors, from manufacturing and resources to professional services and retail.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The prediction for 2026 marks a significant shift from exploratory phases and pilot projects to more substantive, operational integration of AI. This transition will likely involve navigating complex terrain, including regulatory considerations, ethical AI use, workforce reskilling, and significant capital investment—all areas where legal and advisory expertise, such as that provided by groups like the one Antaki co-leads, will be in high demand.
While the original segment was part of a broader news broadcast covering diverse topics from across Canada, the insight on AI and productivity stands out as a critical business and technology forecast for the nation's economic future.
As Canadian firms face the dual pressures of global competition and domestic economic performance, the adoption of AI is poised to move from a strategic advantage to a business necessity in the year ahead.
