OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national council dedicated to advising Canada on policies related to artificial intelligence and its integration. Following its announcement on October 2, 2026, the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence has commenced operations. Its role is to guide the federal government on AI safety measures, economic applications, public service deployment, and the development of sovereign technological capacities. Additionally, the council will scrutinize infrastructure, talent development, research initiatives, and risks associated with the growing adoption of artificial intelligence throughout Canada.
The advisory panel includes experts from sectors such as technology, research, finance, government, and national security. Notable members are Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, and former national security adviser Jody Thomas. The council’s membership also features Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, and Louis Vachon. Patrick Pichette serves as an ex officio participant. Support for the council’s activities will be provided by a small team from the Privy Council Office.
This council does not possess independent authority to formulate or enforce federal policies. Instead, ministers and government agencies will continue making decisions and executing approved initiatives. Its primary mandate is to offer advice that can bolster Canada’s broader AI strategy. This includes fostering AI adoption, building public trust, supporting Canadian technology firms, and enhancing domestic infrastructure. The council will also focus on issues related to governance, safety, and threats to democratic institutions. The government under Mark Carney linked this new entity directly to the national AI for All framework.
National strategy aims for targeted AI adoption and expansion
Canada launched AI for All in June 2026 as its comprehensive national artificial intelligence strategy. The plan is structured around three pillars: trust, economic growth, and Canadian sovereignty over vital capabilities. It encompasses six key areas: public protection, workforce development, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, support for domestic companies, and international collaborations. The strategy also emphasizes privacy, online safety, and the security of government systems. Ottawa has promoted this framework as a unified approach to AI integration across the economy and public sector.
The federal government has set clear, measurable objectives within this strategy. It aims to increase national AI adoption from just above 12% to 60% by 2034. The plan also projects C$200 billion in additional economic growth and the creation of 250,000 AI-related jobs within five years. Part of the initiative includes up to 90,000 positions and training opportunities for young Canadians. In September, the government committed up to C$162 million to fund 10,000 AI-related placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Integration of digital modernization into the larger AI framework
The formation of this council coincides with Ottawa’s efforts to expand digital technology use across federal agencies. In September 2026, Digital Transformation Canada was launched to modernize government systems and streamline technology procurement processes. This initiative merges Shared Services Canada with selected functions from various federal agencies to improve how digital tools are developed, purchased, and implemented. Patrick Pichette, appointed chief executive on September 9, 2026, now also serves on the national AI council as an ex officio member.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence is expected to provide guidance as Canada advances its federal AI program. Its scope includes AI adoption, workforce requirements, public service improvements, infrastructure development, safety measures, and the growth of Canadian technological capabilities. The council will also consider governance issues and safeguarding democratic systems from AI-related threats. Federal departments will remain responsible for policy implementation and program management. The council’s role is advisory within this framework, while the AI for All initiative continues to be the primary national AI strategy.