Montreal, December 10, 2025 – Despite recurring alarmist narratives, 2026 will not herald the replacement of humans by machines. Instead, a new divide is emerging: the skills gap. According to Randstad Canada’s new forward-looking analysis, most workers are ready to embrace AI (68%), yet fewer than half (44%) believe their employer will adequately prepare them for this transition. More strikingly, 37% say they would leave their job if no AI-related training is offered—a 14-point increase in just one year.
“We are entering the era of Human-Technology convergence. The real limit to digital transformation is not technological, but human. In 2026, the most sought-after talent will be those able to combine strategic judgment with the power of AI.”
the 4 major trends defining canada’s 2026 labour market
1. AI becomes the new standard: the new currency of work
The question is no longer if AI will transform work, but how workers will keep pace. Data experts, analysts and AI specialists are now essential to deploying digital transformation at scale. Companies that fail to offer continuous learning paths risk accelerating turnover, as employees increasingly expect a clear technological development plan.
2. the resurgence of frontline roles: operational work becomes the new digital
While the tech sector stabilizes, demand is surging in hands-on occupations. Construction alone will need to fill 172,000 positions by 2027 as 13% of its qualified workforce retires. In retail and services, technology may automate tasks — but only humans build loyalty. Customer experience, team leadership and relational skills are becoming critical capabilities.
3. a new social contract: redefining the return-to-office
The binary debate of “office vs. remote” has been replaced by a new reality: control over one’s time is now the top competitive advantage. Fully remote work is expanding in data- and AI-driven roles, while frontline workers prioritize flexible scheduling. With work-life balance (66%) now as important as salary (65%), employers must rethink organizational models to compete for talent.
4. the generational squeeze: experience becomes a scarce resource
Entry-level opportunities are shrinking, with global postings dropping by 29%. At the same time, experienced talent in technology, data and analytics has become indispensable to accelerating transformation. In 2026, the main constraint on AI adoption will not be tools or investment — but the availability of skilled professionals who can implement these systems at scale.
december 16 webinars
Randstad Canada will host two exclusive webinars on December 16 to present these trends and offer a clear, data-backed overview of the developments that truly shaped 2025, along with an informed outlook on what lies ahead in 2026 :
- 11h (FR) – « On déballe les tendances : notre bilan de 2025 et nos prédictions pour 2026 »
- 12h (EN) – « Our special year-end unwrapping: connecting the trends of 2025 (and our predictions for 2026) »
Our experts will deliver a strategic, concise analysis based on data from thousands of Canadian employers and workers, a valuable resource for journalists preparing early-2026 labour market coverage.
For more information or to access the full 2026 trend analysis, visit Randstad Canada’s website.
about randstad
Randstad is the world’s largest talent company and a partner of choice to clients. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities to people from all backgrounds and helping them remain relevant in the rapidly changing world of work. We have a deep understanding of the labour market and help our clients to create the high-quality, diverse and agile workforces they need to succeed. Our 46,000 employees around the world make a positive impact on society by helping people to realize their true potential throughout their working life.
For more information, visit randstad.ca
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