Bio

Chanya Chawla is an Economist in the Survey and Economic Intelligence Division at the Bank of Canada. Based in the Vancouver Regional Office, she conducts research on key sectors of the Canadian economy and contributes to the Business Outlook Survey. She holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of British Columbia.

Staff research

Canadian businesses’ use of AI: What the evidence shows

Sparks at Bank article Chanya Chawla, Crystal Arnburg
As businesses worldwide are adopting artificial intelligence to boost productivity, little has been known about how businesses in Canada are using it. Survey results from the Bank of Canada show that AI adoption remains at an early stage for many Canadian businesses. As well, businesses expect AI to affect capital spending and employment, but only gradually.
Content Type(s): Staff research, Sparks at Bank article Research Theme(s): Structural challenges, Digitalization and productivity

Survey Evidence on Firm AI Adoption and its Implications

Staff analytical paper 2026-22 Chanya Chawla, Crystal Arnburg
This paper analyzes AI adoption among Canadian firms using December 2025 Business Leaders’ Pulse data. It finds that while personal use is widespread, operational adoption remains limited. Firms expect modest positive impacts on capital spending and small net negative effects on employment over the next three years.
Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff analytical paper JEL Code(s): E, E0, E2, E22, E24, O, O3, O33 Research Theme(s): Structural challenges, Digitalization and productivity

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