OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has formed a national council tasked with providing guidance on artificial intelligence policy and its implementation across Canada. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence started its work following its announcement on October 2, 2026. Its role is to advise the federal government on issues related to AI safety, economic integration, public service applications, and the development of sovereign technological capabilities. Additionally, the council will analyze infrastructure needs, talent development, research initiatives, and potential risks associated with the growing use of artificial intelligence throughout the country.
The advisory body includes experts from various sectors such as technology, research, finance, government, and national security. Members feature prominent figures like Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, and former national security adviser Jody Thomas. The council also counts Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, and Louis Vachon among its members. Patrick Pichette serves as an ex officio participant. Support for the council’s activities will come from a small team provided by the Privy Council Office.
The council is not granted independent authority to create or enforce federal policies. Instead, ministers and government departments will continue making decisions and executing approved measures. Its primary mandate is to provide advice that supports Canada’s broader AI strategy. This includes promoting artificial intelligence adoption, building public trust, fostering Canadian technology firms, and strengthening domestic infrastructure. The council will also focus on governance issues, safety concerns, and threats to democratic institutions. The government of Mark Carney linked this new advisory body directly to the national AI for All framework.
National framework sets ambitious AI adoption and development targets
Canada launched its AI for All initiative in June 2026, establishing the country’s comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy. The plan centers on building trust, unlocking economic opportunities, and maintaining Canadian control over vital capabilities. It is structured around six pillars, which include public safety, workforce skills, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, support for local companies, and international collaborations. The strategy also addresses privacy, online safety, and secure government systems. Ottawa emphasizes this framework as a coordinated effort to integrate AI into the economy and public sector effectively.
The government has set clear measurable goals for this strategy. It aims to increase national AI adoption from slightly above 12% to 60% by 2034. Additionally, it seeks to generate C$200 billion in extra economic growth and create 250,000 jobs related to AI over five years. The plan also includes providing up to 90,000 jobs and internships for young Canadians. In September, the government committed up to C$162 million to support 10,000 AI-related placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital modernization efforts are integral to the overarching AI vision
Patrick Pichette became the chief executive of Digital Transformation Canada on September 9, 2026, as Ottawa expands its digital services. The initiative aims to modernize federal systems and streamline technology procurement processes. It consolidates functions from Shared Services Canada along with selected divisions from other federal agencies to improve the development, purchase, and deployment of digital tools. Pichette’s role also places him on the national AI council as an ex officio member. This move reflects the government’s push to align digital modernization efforts with its broader AI strategy.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will serve as a source of recommendations during the evolution of Canada’s AI program. Its focus encompasses adoption, workforce requirements, public services, infrastructure, safety, and the capacity of Canadian technology industries. The council will also assess governance issues and safeguard democratic institutions against AI-related risks. While federal departments remain responsible for policy implementation and program management, the council will function as an advisory body within that framework. The AI for All initiative continues to be the core element of Canada’s national AI strategy.