OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has formed a national council dedicated to guiding Canada’s artificial intelligence policies and implementation. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence commenced activities following its announcement on October 2, 2026. Its responsibilities include advising the federal government on issues related to AI safety, economic integration, public services, and the development of sovereign technology capabilities. Additionally, the council will explore aspects such as infrastructure, talent development, research initiatives, and potential risks associated with the growing use of artificial intelligence across the country.
The advisory body comprises experts from various fields including technology, academia, finance, government, and national security. Notable 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 serves as an ex officio member. The Privy Council Office will provide a small support team to assist the council’s work.
While the council offers strategic advice, it does not possess independent authority to create or enforce federal policies. Decision-making and implementation remain the responsibility of ministers and government departments. The council’s role centers on providing guidance to support Canada’s broader AI objectives, including AI adoption, maintaining public trust, fostering Canadian technology companies, and strengthening domestic infrastructure. It will also tackle issues related to governance, safety, and the protection of democratic institutions. Mark Carney’s administration has linked this newly established body directly to the national AI for All framework.
National plan outlines objectives for AI deployment and development
Canada launched its AI for All initiative in June 2026 as the country’s comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy. The plan emphasizes trust, economic growth opportunities, and Canadian control over vital capabilities. It is built around six pillars: public protection, workforce skills, business adoption, sovereign infrastructure, supporting domestic companies, and international collaborations. The strategy also addresses privacy, online safety, and the security of government systems. Ottawa promotes this framework as a coordinated approach to AI integration across both economic sectors and public institutions.
The federal government has set ambitious, measurable targets for this strategy, aiming to increase national AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034. It also seeks to generate an additional C$200 billion in economic growth and create 250,000 AI-related jobs over five years. The plan includes initiatives to generate up to 90,000 jobs and internship opportunities for young Canadians. In September, Ottawa committed up to C$162 million to fund 10,000 AI-related placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Broader AI initiatives integrate with digital modernization efforts
The formation of the council coincides with Ottawa’s efforts to expand digital technology use within federal services. In September 2026, the government launched Digital Transformation Canada to modernize systems and streamline technology procurement processes. This new agency consolidates Shared Services Canada and select functions from other federal agencies, aiming to improve how departments develop, acquire, and implement digital tools. Patrick Pichette was appointed 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 Canada’s AI initiatives advance. Its scope includes AI adoption, workforce requirements, public service delivery, infrastructure, safety, and the development of Canadian technological capacity. The council will also assess governance issues and measures to safeguard democratic institutions from AI-related threats. While federal departments retain responsibility for policy implementation and program management, the council functions as an advisory platform, supporting the core federal framework known as AI for All for Canada’s national AI strategy.