OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national council aimed at providing guidance to Canada on artificial intelligence strategy and implementation. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence commenced its activities following its announcement on October 2, 2026. Its role is to advise the federal government on matters including AI safety, economic utilization, public service integration, and the development of sovereign technological capabilities. Additionally, the council will explore issues related to infrastructure, talent acquisition, research initiatives, and risks associated with the growing deployment of artificial intelligence across Canada.
Bringing together experts from fields such as technology, research, finance, government, and national security, the advisory group features notable members like 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 to assist its efforts.
While the council does not possess independent policymaking authority, it will not create or enforce federal policies directly. Instead, ministers and government departments will continue to make decisions and execute approved measures. The primary purpose of this advisory body is to support Canada’s broader AI objectives, which include encouraging AI adoption, fostering public trust, supporting Canadian technology firms, and strengthening domestic infrastructure. It will also focus on governance, safety, and defending democratic institutions from emerging threats. Mark Carney’s administration linked this new advisory entity explicitly to the national AI for All framework.
National strategy outlines targets for AI adoption and expansion
Canada launched the AI for All initiative in June 2026 as its overarching national AI strategy. This plan structures federal AI policies around principles of trust, economic growth, and Canadian sovereignty over vital capabilities. It is built on six pillars that address public safety, skills development, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, support for domestic companies, and international collaborations. The strategy also emphasizes online safety, privacy, and secure government systems. Ottawa promotes this framework as a cohesive approach to integrating AI into the economy and public sector.
The government has set specific, measurable targets for this strategy. It aims to increase AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034, driving C$200 billion in additional economic activity and creating 250,000 AI-related jobs within five years. The plan includes initiatives to generate up to 90,000 jobs and provide work placements for young Canadians. In September, the government allocated up to C$162 million to support 10,000 AI-related internships through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital modernization supports Canada’s broader AI ambitions
The new council coincides with Ottawa’s efforts to expand digital technology use across federal services. In September 2026, the government launched Digital Transformation Canada to modernize existing systems and streamline technology procurement processes. This initiative combines Shared Services Canada with selected functions from various federal agencies, aiming to enhance how departments develop, acquire, and deploy digital tools. Patrick Pichette became the chief executive on September 9, 2026, and also serves as an ex officio member of the AI council.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will offer recommendations as the federal AI program evolves. Its responsibilities include guiding AI adoption, workforce planning, public service improvements, infrastructure development, safety protocols, and strengthening Canadian technological capabilities. The body will also address governance issues and strategies to protect democratic institutions from AI-related risks. While federal departments will continue managing policy implementation and program administration, the council will function as an advisory platform within that structure, maintaining the AI for All framework as Canada’s central national AI initiative.