OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national council tasked with guiding Canada on artificial intelligence policies and implementation. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence commenced its work following the announcement made on October 2, 2026. Its role includes advising the federal government on AI safety, economic deployment, public service applications, and the development of sovereign technological infrastructure. Additionally, the council will assess issues related to infrastructure, talent development, research, and the risks associated with the increasing integration of artificial intelligence throughout Canada.
This advisory group unites experts from various sectors such as technology, research, finance, government, and national security. Among its members are Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn and former national security adviser Jody Thomas. The council’s roster 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 with a dedicated team to assist its efforts.
While the council provides valuable advice, it does not possess independent authority to formulate or enforce federal policies. Ministers and government departments retain decision-making powers and continue executing approved initiatives. The council’s primary purpose is to offer guidance that supports Canada’s broader AI objectives, which include fostering artificial intelligence adoption, bolstering public trust, supporting Canadian tech companies, and enhancing domestic infrastructure. It will also focus on governance, safety, and safeguarding democratic institutions. The government of Mark Carney directly links this new advisory body to the national AI for All framework.
National plan targets AI adoption and expansion
Canada launched AI for All in June 2026 as its comprehensive national strategy for artificial intelligence. This initiative structures federal AI policies around themes of trust, economic growth opportunities, and maintaining Canadian control over vital capabilities. The strategy is built around six pillars that address public safety, skill development, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, homegrown companies, and international collaborations. It also emphasizes privacy, online security, and the protection of government systems. Ottawa describes this framework as a unified approach to advancing AI within the economy and public sector alike.
The government has set clear measurable objectives in support of this strategy. It aims to increase national AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034. Additionally, Ottawa seeks to generate C$200 billion in extra economic activity and create 250,000 jobs related to AI over the next five years. The plan also includes initiatives to create up to 90,000 jobs and internships for young Canadians. In September, the government allocated up to C$162 million for 10,000 AI-focused placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital innovation as a key element of the overarching AI plan
The formation of the council coincides with Ottawa’s push to expand digital technology use across federal agencies. In September 2026, the government launched Digital Transformation Canada to modernize systems and streamline technology procurement. This initiative consolidates Shared Services Canada with selected functions from several federal departments. Its goal is to enhance the development, acquisition, and deployment of digital tools by government agencies. Patrick Pichette was appointed as chief executive on September 9, 2026, and his role also positions him as an ex officio member of the national AI council.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence is expected to provide ongoing recommendations as Canada’s AI program evolves. Its scope encompasses AI adoption, workforce requirements, public service delivery, infrastructure, safety, and the nation’s technological capacity. It will also oversee governance and measures to protect democratic institutions from AI-related threats. Implementation responsibilities remain with federal departments, while the council serves as an advisory forum within the existing policy framework. The AI for All strategy remains the core guiding document for Canada’s national AI efforts.