Some potential job displacements associated with computer-based automation in Canada

This paper computes the range of feasible adjustment paths for the Canadian economy in response to the adoption of some computer-based-automation technologies. The paper also compares alternative scenarios which are determined by different rates of diffusion of the new technology, different degrees of dependence on foreign production of the required new equipment, and different degrees of success in export markets. The aggregative results indicate that the new job creation required to prevent technological unemployment will be relatively small. However, the disaggregative results show that the matching of (occupational) skills and (sectoral) location of the displaced workers with those required by the new technological/occupational structure will be an important issue.