OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has formed a national council tasked with guiding Canada’s artificial intelligence policy and implementation. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence commenced operations following its announcement on October 2, 2026. Its role includes providing counsel to the federal government on issues such as AI safety, economic integration, public services, and the development of sovereign technology. Additionally, the council will assess infrastructure, talent development, research initiatives, and risks associated with the expanding deployment of artificial intelligence across the country.
Representing a diverse group of experts from fields including technology, research, finance, government, and national security, the advisory panel features prominent figures such as Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, and former national security adviser Jody Thomas. The council also includes 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 dedicated team.
It is important to note that the council does not possess independent authority to establish or enforce federal policies. Instead, decisions and implementation efforts remain the responsibility of ministers and government departments. The council’s primary purpose is to provide strategic advice aligned with Canada’s broader AI objectives, which encompass adoption, building public trust, fostering Canadian tech companies, and strengthening domestic infrastructure. Additionally, the council will examine issues related to governance, safety, and potential threats to democratic institutions. The new body was directly linked to the national AI for All framework by Mark Carney’s government.
National Strategy Outlines Goals for AI Adoption and Growth
Canada unveiled AI for All in June 2026 as its official national AI strategy. The framework centers on principles of trust, economic opportunities, and maintaining Canadian control over vital capabilities. It is structured around six pillars: public protection, skills development, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, support for domestic companies, and international collaborations. The strategy also emphasizes privacy, online safety, and secure government systems, presenting a coordinated effort to advance artificial intelligence across both economic sectors and public services.
The government has set specific targets for this initiative, aiming to increase AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034. It also projects an additional C$200 billion in economic growth and the creation of 250,000 AI-related jobs over the next five years. The plan includes up to 90,000 jobs and work placements for young Canadians. In September, Ottawa allocated up to C$162 million to support 10,000 AI-related internships through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital Upgrades Integral to Broader AI Strategy
The arrival of the council coincides with Ottawa’s broader push to enhance digital technology usage across federal agencies. To this end, Digital Transformation Canada was launched in September 2026, aiming to modernize government systems and streamline technology procurement processes. This initiative consolidates Shared Services Canada with select functions from various federal bodies to improve the development, acquisition, and deployment of 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 is expected to offer guidance as the federal AI program progresses. Its focus includes AI adoption, workforce requirements, public service delivery, infrastructure development, safety concerns, and the strengthening of Canadian technological capacity. The council will also address governance issues and the protection of democratic institutions from AI-related risks. While federal departments will retain responsibility for policy execution and program administration, the council’s role will be advisory. The AI for All framework remains the central blueprint guiding Canada’s national AI efforts.