OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national council aimed at guiding Canada’s artificial intelligence policies and implementation strategies. Following its announcement on October 2, 2026, the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence has commenced its activities, providing counsel to the federal authorities on issues like AI safety, economic integration, public service innovation, and the development of sovereign technological infrastructure. The council’s mandate also includes the assessment of infrastructure, talent development, research initiatives, and the risks associated with the expanding deployment of artificial intelligence across the country.
Bringing together experts from the fields of technology, research, finance, government, and national security, the advisory group features notable members such as Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, and former national security adviser Jody Thomas. Other participants include Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, and Louis Vachon. Patrick Pichette serves as an ex officio member. The Privy Council Office will support the council with a dedicated team to assist its work.
The council does not possess independent authority to formulate or enforce federal policies. Instead, decisions and actions will continue to be made and executed by ministers and government departments. Its role is to offer advice that can bolster Canada’s broader AI strategy, which encompasses AI adoption, fostering public trust, supporting Canadian tech companies, and enhancing domestic infrastructure. Additionally, the council will focus on issues related to governance, safety, and safeguarding democratic institutions. The new body is directly linked to the national AI for All framework, as announced by Mark Carney’s government.
National Blueprint Sets Goals for Adoption and Development
Canada launched its AI for All initiative in June 2026, establishing it as the country’s overarching national AI strategy. This plan emphasizes trust, economic potential, and maintaining Canadian control over vital capabilities. It is organized into six pillars, covering public safety, skills enhancement, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, domestic industry, and international collaborations. The strategy also addresses privacy concerns, online safety, and the security of government systems. Ottawa presents this framework as a unified approach to AI across various sectors of the economy and government.
The government has set measurable objectives for this initiative, including increasing AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034. It also aims to generate an additional C$200 billion in economic growth and create 250,000 AI-related jobs within five years. The plan further includes ambitions for up to 90,000 new roles and placements for young Canadians. In September, Ottawa committed up to C$162 million to fund 10,000 AI-focused placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Part of the Broader Digital Modernization Effort
The formation of the council coincides with Ottawa’s push to expand digital technology use in federal services. The government introduced Digital Transformation Canada in September 2026 to overhaul systems and streamline technology procurement processes. This new organization consolidates Shared Services Canada along with select functions from other federal entities to enhance how digital tools are developed, purchased, and deployed. Patrick Pichette was appointed chief executive on September 9, 2026, and his position also makes him an ex officio member of the AI council.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will deliver recommendations as Canada’s federal AI initiatives advance. Its responsibilities include promoting AI adoption, addressing workforce requirements, improving public services and infrastructure, and enhancing the nation’s technological capacity. The council will also evaluate governance frameworks and strategies to protect democratic processes from AI-related threats. While federal departments will maintain responsibility for implementing policies and managing programs, the council will serve as an advisory body within the existing structure, supporting the overarching AI for All program, which remains the main framework guiding Canada’s AI development.