OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national council aimed at guiding Canada’s policies and strategies related to artificial intelligence. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence began its activities following its announcement on October 2, 2026. The council’s responsibilities include advising the federal government on AI safety, economic applications, public service integration, and the development of the country’s sovereign technological capacity. It will also scrutinize infrastructure, research initiatives, talent development, and the risks associated with the expanding use of AI across Canada.
This advisory body comprises experts from diverse fields such as 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. Other participants are Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, and Louis Vachon. Patrick Pichette contributes as an ex officio member. The Privy Council Office will support the council with a small dedicated team to facilitate its work.
While the council offers strategic advice, it does not possess the authority to formulate or enforce federal policies. Decision-making and implementation of measures will remain with ministers and government departments. Its primary purpose is to support Canada’s broader AI initiatives, focusing on AI adoption, public trust, fostering domestic tech companies, and strengthening infrastructure. The council will also address issues related to governance, safety, and safeguarding democratic institutions. Mark Carney’s administration has explicitly linked this new body to the national AI for All framework.
National strategy outlines goals for AI adoption and expansion
Canada launched its AI for All initiative in June 2026 as the country’s overarching artificial intelligence strategy. This plan emphasizes trust, economic growth opportunities, and maintaining Canadian control over vital capabilities. It is built around six pillars that focus on public protection, workforce skills, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, domestic companies, and international collaborations. Additionally, the strategy addresses privacy, online safety, and secure government systems. Ottawa positions this framework as a cohesive approach to AI across both the economy and public sector.
The federal government has set concrete, measurable objectives for this initiative. It aims to increase AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034, and to generate an extra C$200 billion in economic activity while creating 250,000 AI-related jobs over the next five years. Furthermore, the strategy includes plans to create up to 90,000 jobs and internships for young Canadians. In September, Ottawa committed up to C$162 million to fund 10,000 AI-related placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Part of a broader digital modernization effort
The establishment of the council coincides with Ottawa’s push to expand digital technology use in federal services. The government introduced Digital Transformation Canada in September 2026 to overhaul systems and streamline technology procurement. This new agency consolidates Shared Services Canada with select functions from various federal entities, aiming to enhance how digital tools are developed, purchased, and deployed across departments. Patrick Pichette took on the role of chief executive on September 9, 2026, and also serves as an ex officio member of the national AI council.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will offer recommendations as the federal AI program advances. Its focus areas include AI adoption, workforce needs, public service delivery, infrastructure, safety, and strengthening Canadian technological capacity. It will also assess governance issues and the protection of democratic systems from AI-related risks. Although federal departments will remain responsible for policy implementation and program administration, the council will function as an advisory body within that framework, supporting the ongoing efforts of the AI for All initiative as Canada’s central AI strategy.