While Canadian at work are overwhelmingly positive that artificial intelligence (AI) will continue creeping into their day-to-day duties at work, a little more than one-third have received proper training on the evolving technology, according to a new TD survey.

Fifty-nine per cent of those asked reported that AI tools make them more productive while at work, and a similar number (58 per cent) feel that this gives them a leg-up on their competition. But only 37 per cent said they have received "adequate" AI training from their employer on using AI at work.

“We’re in a period where people are building new skills and figuring out how these tools can support the work they already do. The pace of change can feel fast, and it’s natural that confidence takes time to catch up,” Luke Gee, senior vice-president, chief analytics and AI officer at TD Bank Group, said in a press release.

“AI is becoming more prevalent across the world of work but for many people it still feels new and unfamiliar.”

The 2026 TD AI Insights Report from Ipsos was conducted between Feb. 17 and 23, and included interviews with 2,501 Canadian adults.

Widespread AI adoption unavoidable

AI adoption is inevitable, according to 78 per cent of survey respondents.

However, the level of readiness for the technology is less than optimal, as 75 per cent rated themselves as C-level or lower in their AI knowledge (only four per cent of respondents gave themselves a top grade of A), and 53 per cent believe their own organization is lagging other firms.

This low level of personal confidence also means that 32 per cent admitted they have inflated their AI skills, the survey found. The finding means there remains an opportunity to future-proof the workforce by providing adequate AI training opportunities.

“The future of work will require organizations to help people develop new skills as technology evolves. Those that prioritize learning and equip employees with the right tools and support will ensure their people thrive,” Melanie Burns, senior executive vice-president and chief human resources officer at TD Bank, said in the same release.

Generationally, the older the cohort in the workplace, the more confident people are that more integration will happen: 89 per cent of boomers believe it, whereas 81 per cent of generation X, 79 per cent of millennials and 65 per cent of those in the generation Z group feel that widespread AI adoption in the workplace will happen.

Adoption continues despite challenges

With the advent of AI upon us, there are some success stories that suggest organizations are finding new ways to improve productivity using the technology.

TD announced the release of its first agentic AI model in May, which streamlines the lending application process.

BMO also released its Lumi Assistant for policy and procedural information in 2025, a sign even the sometimes-staid and risk-averse industry is rushing into widespread AI usage.

Meanwhile, AI is expected to have a huge impact on the robotics industry, a recent report from Ottawa-based software company QNX said.

But while this effort moves forward, organizations still need to pay attention to governance around its adoption, according to a recent study done by Waterloo, Ont.-based OpenText, which warned only one-in-five organizations have reached an acceptable level of AI maturity.

“Fifty per cent of respondents say AI deployments require too much staff to implement and maintain AI-based technologies and 44 per cent of respondents say the staff does not have enough time to integrate AI-based technologies,” the study said.