Tobi Lütke , the founder of Ottawa-based Shopify Inc. , has a new mantra for his workforce: “AI first.”

In a recent memo, the CEO urged staff to seek artificial intelligence solutions before requesting additional resources or new hires, a directive that’s rippling through Canada’s tech sector. Lütke has emphasized that AI is not about cutting jobs, but about reimagining work.

For many, the message is clear: AI is reshaping the workplace, and for the worse. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, released in January, paints a stark picture. By 2030, AI and automation are expected to displace 92 million jobs globally, from coders to customer service reps.

In Canada, where tech and manufacturing employ more than 1.5 million people, the impact could be profound. Micha Ka

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