Bio

Crystal Arnburg is the Regional Director (Economics) at the Bank of Canada’s Regional Office for British Columbia and the Yukon. In this capacity, she oversees the Business Outlook Survey for the region and supports analysis on economic issues relevant to the Bank’s monetary policy objectives. Ms. Arnburg also plays a major role in communicating the Bank’s messages to a variety of external audiences and promoting an exchange of views on the economy and monetary policy.

Prior to joining the Bank, Ms. Arnburg was a Senior Economist with the Office of the Chief Economist at Global Affairs Canada. She also spent over half a decade in the private sector where she was a Senior Manager in Deloitte’s Economic Advisory practice in Vancouver.

Ms. Arnburg holds a Master of Arts degree in economics from the University of British Columbia. She is the President of the Association of Professional Economists 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.

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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