OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national artificial intelligence council to offer guidance to the federal government on issues related to AI adoption, safety, and sovereignty. Announced on October 2, 2026, the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence is tasked with delivering independent, actionable advice as Canada advances its AI for All national initiative. Its scope includes economic competitiveness, public services, research, talent development, infrastructure, and the overarching governance of artificial intelligence.
The council’s role will be to explore strategies for increasing AI deployment across various sectors of the economy while maintaining control over critical technologies. It will also advise on matters concerning Canadian AI enterprises, sovereign infrastructure, safety protocols, governance frameworks, and potential risks to democratic institutions. The government emphasizes that the council will facilitate connections among public and private sector stakeholders and identify opportunities for coordinated efforts. Policy decisions and implementation responsibilities will remain with cabinet ministers and federal departments. The Privy Council Office will provide support to the council’s activities.
The group includes researchers, technology executives, investors, public officials, and experts in AI safety and oversight. Members comprise Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, Jody Thomas, and Louis Vachon. Additionally, Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, and Eric Lamarre serve on the council. Patrick Pichette, chief executive of Digital Transformation Canada, serves as an ex officio member. Their backgrounds span research, finance, national security, technology, and public administration.
Council Connects AI Safety with Broader National Strategies
Canada launched its AI for All initiative in June 2026 as part of the country’s overarching artificial intelligence framework. The strategy focuses on three core goals: fostering trust, expanding opportunities, and maintaining Canadian control over vital AI capabilities. Its six pillars address public safety, skills development, economic integration, sovereign infrastructure, support for Canadian AI companies, and international collaborations. The plan also emphasizes strengthening AI safety capacities, updating privacy and online safety regulations, and securing government digital systems.
To measure progress, the government set specific targets, including raising AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034. It aims to generate an additional C$200 billion in economic growth and create 250,000 new AI-related jobs within five years. The broader strategy also envisions up to 90,000 AI-related positions and work placements for young Canadians. In September, Ottawa allocated up to C$162 million over five years for 10,000 AI-focused work placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Government’s AI Initiative Extends to Public Service Modernization
In September, Carney also launched Digital Transformation Canada, an effort to modernize federal services and boost the government’s digital tool usage. This organization consolidates Shared Services Canada and select functions from various federal departments and agencies. Its mission is to improve how the government develops, procures, and employs technology. Key priorities include leveraging federal purchasing power to help Canadian digital and AI companies test, scale, and commercialize innovative technologies. Patrick Pichette was appointed as chief executive on September 9, 2026.
The newly formed council will serve as an advisory entity rather than a policymaking body. Its focus will be on cross-cutting issues such as AI adoption, public-sector transformation, talent development, and sovereign infrastructure. It will also address safety, governance, and the protection of Canadian democracy amid increasing AI deployment. Recommendations from the council will shape the ongoing development of AI for All, but ministers and departments will retain full responsibility for policy decisions and implementation. The council does not possess separate authority to establish or enforce federal policies.