Canadian businesses are moving on AI. Agents are next.
The numbers are clear. Statistics Canada reports that 19.2% of Canadian businesses used AI in the 12 months to spring 2026, triple the 6.1% from two years earlier. Looking ahead, 25.2% plan to use it over the next year, up from 14.5% a year ago. Among those planning, about 32% name virtual agents or chatbots.
The hurdles are familiar. Cybersecurity and privacy concerns top the list of barriers (13.4%), followed by cost (10.6%). A separate U.S. survey of small business owners found 73% want more training and implementation help.
That's where agentic services come in: focused agents doing specific jobs, with you approving what matters.
Sources
- Statistics Canada, AI use, Q2 2026
- Statistics Canada, planned AI use, Q3 2026
- Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices survey
Ready to see what an agent team could do for you? Read about the Agentic Business Launch.