OTTAWA – A recent poll conducted by Leger reveals that a significant majority of Canadians support the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). The findings indicate that 85 percent of respondents believe it is essential for governments to implement regulations on AI tools to ensure their ethical and safe usage.
Among those surveyed, more than half, specifically 57 percent, expressed strong agreement with the notion that AI should be regulated. This indicates a pronounced public sentiment regarding the importance of governance in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
The survey, which gathered responses from 1,518 individuals between August 22 and August 25, was conducted online. It is noteworthy that the polling methodology employed means that a margin of error cannot be assigned to the results, as the online format does not allow for random sampling of the general population.
Despite the expressed concerns surrounding the potential negative impacts of AI, including its threat to human employment, the adoption of AI technologies appears to be on the rise. The poll found that the usage of AI tools has increased by 10 percent since March, with 57 percent of respondents indicating that they have interacted with an AI tool in some capacity.
In a contrast to the public's desire for regulation, Canada’s artificial intelligence minister has signaled a shift in focus towards the adoption of AI rather than its regulation. This aligns with a larger global trend among governments, which are beginning to prioritize advancing AI technologies over instituting safety and governance measures.
The Canadian Research Insights Council, the professional body for the polling industry, has noted that the nature of online surveys prohibits assigning a margin of error due to the lack of a random sampling process.
This significant public opinion poll highlights the growing awareness and concern among Canadians regarding the implications of artificial intelligence. With the government contemplating a reduction in emphasis on regulation, the gap between public sentiment and governmental focus on AI may warrant attention from policymakers moving forward.
This report was initially published on August 27, 2025, by The Canadian Press, authored by Anja Karadeglija.
