OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has formed a national council tasked with providing guidance on artificial intelligence policies and implementation in Canada. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence started its work following its announcement on October 2, 2026. Its role includes advising the federal government on AI safety, economic utilization, public services, and the country’s sovereign technological capacity. The council will also focus on infrastructure, talent, research, and the risks associated with the growing use of artificial intelligence nationwide.
This advisory body comprises experts from the fields of 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. Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, and Louis Vachon are also part of the council. Patrick Pichette joins as an ex officio member. The Privy Council Office will support the council with a dedicated team to assist in its activities.
The council itself does not possess independent authority to establish or enforce federal policies. Instead, ministers and government departments retain decision-making power and are responsible for implementing approved measures. The primary objective of the council is to provide advice that supports Canada’s broader AI strategy, focusing on AI adoption, public trust, domestic tech firms, and infrastructure. Additionally, it will address issues related to governance, safety, and threats to democratic institutions. The government of Mark Carney directly links this new body to the national AI for All framework.
National plan sets ambitious targets for AI deployment and growth
Canada launched AI for All in June 2026, serving as the country’s comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy. This plan emphasizes trust, economic prospects, and maintaining Canadian control over critical capabilities. Its six pillars include public protection, workforce development, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, support for domestic companies, and international collaborations. The strategy also addresses privacy concerns, online safety, and the security of government systems. Ottawa promotes this framework as a unified approach to AI across various sectors of the economy and public services.
The federal government has set clear, measurable objectives for this initiative. By 2034, it aims to increase national AI adoption from slightly above 12% to 60%. The plan also projects C$200 billion in additional economic growth and the creation of 250,000 AI-related jobs within five years. It 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-related placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital transformation initiatives complement the broader AI development plans
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new council arrives as Ottawa accelerates its digital technology integration within federal agencies. In September 2026, the government launched Digital Transformation Canada to modernize systems and streamline technology procurement processes. This initiative merges Shared Services Canada with selected functions from other federal bodies to improve digital development, purchasing, and deployment. Patrick Pichette was appointed chief executive on September 9, 2026, and holds a position on the national AI council as an ex officio member.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will offer strategic recommendations as Canada advances its federal AI program. Its scope encompasses adoption strategies, workforce requirements, public service enhancements, infrastructure development, safety considerations, and the country’s technological capacity. The council will also examine governance issues and the protection of democratic institutions from AI-related threats. While federal departments will continue to oversee policy implementation and program administration, the council will serve as an advisory body, supporting the overarching AI for All initiative, which remains the central framework guiding Canada’s national AI efforts.