OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national council aimed at guiding Canada’s artificial intelligence policies and implementation strategies. Following its announcement on October 2, 2026, the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence has begun its activities. The group is tasked with advising the federal government on issues such as AI safety, economic deployment, public service integration, and national technological sovereignty. Additionally, it will scrutinize infrastructure, workforce talent, research initiatives, and potential risks associated with the expanding use of artificial intelligence throughout Canada.
The council comprises experts from sectors including technology, research, finance, government, and national security. Its members include Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, and former national security adviser Jody Thomas. The council also features Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, and Louis Vachon. Patrick Pichette participates as an ex officio member. The Privy Council Office will support the council’s work through a dedicated team.
While the council does not hold autonomous authority to create or enforce federal policies, it offers guidance to support Canada’s broader AI goals. Its recommendations will influence decision-making by ministers and government agencies, who retain responsibility for policy implementation. The council’s focus includes fostering AI adoption, building public trust, supporting Canadian technology firms, and enhancing infrastructure. Moreover, it will address issues related to governance, safety, and safeguarding democratic institutions. The government led by Mark Carney has directly linked this new advisory body to the national AI for All framework.
National strategy aims for specific AI adoption and development goals
Canada launched AI for All in June 2026 as its comprehensive national artificial intelligence strategy. The plan centers on three core pillars: trust, economic growth, and Canadian control over vital capabilities. It encompasses six key areas: public safety, workforce skills, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, domestic industry, and international collaborations. The strategy also emphasizes privacy, online safety, and the security of government systems, presenting a unified approach to AI across both the economy and public sector.
The government has established tangible targets within this framework. It seeks to increase national AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034. Ottawa aspires to generate an additional C$200 billion in economic output and create 250,000 AI-related jobs within five years. The plan also involves creating up to 90,000 jobs and internship opportunities for young Canadians. In September, the government allocated up to C$162 million to fund 10,000 AI placements via Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital upgrade initiatives align with Canada’s broader AI ambitions
The formation of this council coincides with Ottawa’s efforts to enhance digital services nationwide. In September 2026, Digital Transformation Canada was launched to upgrade federal systems and streamline technology procurement. This initiative merges Shared Services Canada with selected functions from various federal agencies, aiming to optimize how departments develop, purchase, and deploy digital tools. Patrick Pichette became CEO on September 9, 2026, and also serves as an ex officio member of the AI council.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will offer strategic recommendations as Canada advances its national AI program. Its scope includes fostering AI adoption, addressing workforce needs, improving public services, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring safety and technological sovereignty. The body will also evaluate governance issues and safeguard democratic institutions against AI-related risks. Meanwhile, federal departments will continue to execute policies and manage programs, with the council functioning as an advisory body. The AI for All framework remains the primary guiding structure for Canada’s national AI agenda.