top of page
Search

Press release - 1st Barometer of AI in HR in Canada

The 1st Barometer of AI in HR in Canada reveals that 91% of HR professionals see AI as an opportunity, despite significant challenges related to its deployment and its impact on the transformation of HR functions.

 

MONTREAL, Quebec – February 2, 2026 – NexaRH, a Montreal-based HR digital strategy and HR transformation consulting firm, announces that it will unveil the results of its first “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Human Resources (HR) Barometer in Canada” on February 12. in collaboration with Parlons RH, on the occasion of the HR Tech Innovation Summit.


This unprecedented survey, conducted among 336 HR professionals across the country, paints a nuanced picture of AI adoption: a technology perceived as a tremendous opportunity by an overwhelming majority (91%), but whose deployment remains a task deemed difficult by 64% of respondents.


The report from the first Barometer of AI in HR in Canada, entitled "AI: Work Reinvented in Accelerated Mode" indicates that artificial intelligence is already an integral part of daily HR operations. In fact, 67% of HR professionals report using AI personally, and nearly two out of three organizations have deployed at least one training program on the subject in the last three years. The most common uses are in recruitment (66%), as well as training and skills development (57%).


AI under surveillance


Despite this enthusiasm, the first AI Barometer in HR in Canada highlights significant obstacles:

  • The main obstacle to the deployment of AI, according to 76% of respondents, is the lack of a clear strategy within their organization.

  • Confidentiality and privacy issues are also a major concern for 91% of the professionals surveyed.

  • The use of generative AI such as ChatGPT masks a lower level of organizational use and advanced applications.

  • The unregulated use of AI tools by employees outside of official policies – also referred to as shadow AI – represents a major security and privacy challenge for organizations.


“ Artificial intelligence is not just a simple technological tool; it is a true human revolution that is redefining our relationship to work. For HR leaders, the question is no longer whether to adopt AI, but how to integrate it strategically and ethically to enhance human and organizational capabilities ,” says Jean-Baptiste Audrerie, co-founder and president of NexaRH and co-author of the report.


Is the HR function immune to transformation?


Paradoxically, although all HR professionals recognize the potential of AI and its transformative impact on jobs and skills, they seem to consider themselves immune to this transformation. According to them, the human touch remains paramount in their expertise and strategic role.

 

This perception reflects a confidence in HR's ability to evolve alongside technology, rather than a risk of being replaced by it.


However, the acceleration of AI heralds profound changes, such as AI agents, and a major transformation of the relationship between HR professionals and technology:

  • 64% of respondents believe that AI has already changed their practices;

  • 30% anticipate a major transformation of their profession within three to five years;

  • In response to this, 66% of organizations have begun implementing actions to frame and govern the deployment of AI; and,

  • 40% of respondents plan to increase their budget for HR technology and AI in 2026.


“ HR professionals are already taking action, experimenting with AI individually to improve their efficiency. The challenge now is to move from experimentation to structured and secure adoption across the organization ,” explains Valérie Fichelle, co-founder of NexaRH and co-author of the report. “ It is imperative to build robust governance to guide these new uses, reassure teams, and unleash the full potential of AI to deliver a higher value-added HR function .”


This first AI in HR Barometer in Canada was made possible thanks to the support of several sponsors who are also key players in AI in HR in Canada ( CEGID , COFOMO , HALFSERIOUS , INNOOVA , SERVICENOW and SIGMA-RH ), and the collaboration of Parlons RH , the leading media outlet for the HR function and the expert marketing agency serving HR service providers in France and the French-speaking world.


The 1st Barometer of AI in HR in Canada: a guide for an AI roadmap in HR


The 1st Barometer of AI in HR in Canada also presents analyses and views from 18 experts in HR, Law, Research, HR Technologies and AI.


Cover image of the 1st AI in HR Barometer in Canada – 2026 Edition, published by NexaRH, featuring the theme “AI: Work Reinvented in Accelerated Mode”, with key information from the report and a QR code for free download.
Cover image of the 1st AI in HR Barometer in Canada – 2026 Edition, published by NexaRH, presenting the theme “AI: Work Reinvented in Accelerated Mode”, with key information from the report and a QR code for free download.

 

About NexaRH:

NexaRH optimizes HR functions with innovative HR technologies. The firm supports medium and large organizations in developing their HR technology strategy and transforming their operations. For more information, visit www.nexarh.com .

 

Media contact:

Jean-Baptiste Audrerie

Co-founder and president, NexaRH Inc.

HR Technology Consultant

Telephone: +1 514 692 4743


NEXARH logo with "Digital Strategy and HR Transformation" text. Blue and purple lettering on a white background.

About the editorial team: This barometer was produced by the NEXARH team and several collaborators. JEAN-BAPTISTE AUDRERIE, president and co-founder of Nexa RH, HR TECH consultant, editor-in-chief, and VALÉRIE FICHELLE, co-founder, vice-president, HRIS consultant, analyst, and co-editor.
About the editorial team: This barometer was produced by the NEXARH team and several collaborators. JEAN-BAPTISTE AUDRERIE, president and co-founder of NexaRH, HR TECH consultant, editor-in-chief, and VALÉRIE FICHELLE, co-founder, vice-president, HRIS consultant, analyst, and co-editor.


Comments

bottom of page