A Chinese court ruling that outlaws companies from demoting or firing employees solely to replace them with artificial intelligence has reignited the debate over the technology’s impact on labour markets — and whether Canada is failing to respond quickly enough.

The ruling, posted online last week by the Hangzhou Intermediate People’s Court, sided with a senior technology worker who was offered a reduced salary and job transfer when his employer sought to automate his role with AI. The worker’s employment was terminated after he refused the offer.

The case clarified that “the development of artificial intelligence technology is intended to liberate labour, promote employment, and benefit people’s livelihoods,” the ruling says.