OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national council to provide guidance on artificial intelligence policies and implementation in Canada. This body, known as the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence, started its work following its announcement on October 2, 2026. Its role is to advise the federal government on issues such as AI safety, economic integration, public service delivery, and the development of sovereign technology. Additionally, the council will look into infrastructure, talent development, research initiatives, and risks associated with the growing adoption of AI across the country.
The advisory panel includes experts from technology, research, finance, government, and national security sectors. 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 also serve on the council. Patrick Pichette joins as an ex officio member. The Privy Council Office will provide a small support team to assist the council’s work.
This council does not possess independent authority to create or enforce federal policies. Ministers and government agencies will continue making decisions and implementing measures. The council’s main purpose is to offer advice that can support Canada’s broader AI strategies. Its focus areas include AI adoption, public trust, Canadian tech companies, and domestic infrastructure. The group will also tackle issues related to governance, safety, and threats to democratic institutions. Mark Carney’s administration has linked the new council directly to the national AI for All framework.
National Strategy Sets Targets for Adoption and Growth
Canada launched its AI for All initiative in June 2026 as the country’s official national AI strategy. The plan centers on trust, economic opportunity, and maintaining Canadian control over key capabilities. It is built around six pillars, which include public protection, skills development, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, support for domestic firms, and international collaborations. The strategy also addresses privacy, online safety, and secure government systems. Ottawa presents this framework as a coordinated effort across the economy and public sector to advance AI.
The government has set measurable objectives for this strategy. It aims to increase national AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034. Ottawa also hopes to generate an additional C$200 billion in economic growth and create 250,000 AI-related jobs over five years. The plan includes up to 90,000 positions and training opportunities for young Canadians. In September, the government allocated up to C$162 million for 10,000 AI-related placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital Upgrades Are Part of the Broader AI Vision
Prime Minister Mark Carney‘s government is expanding its digital technology use across federal agencies. In September 2026, the government launched Digital Transformation Canada to modernize systems and improve technology procurement. This new organization merges Shared Services Canada with selected functions from various federal bodies. Its goal is to enhance how departments develop, buy, and deploy digital tools. Patrick Pichette became CEO on September 9, 2026, and as an ex officio member, he also serves on the national AI council.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will offer recommendations as Canada’s AI program evolves. It covers AI adoption, workforce needs, public services, infrastructure, safety, and the country’s technological capacity. The council will also evaluate governance issues and how to protect democratic institutions from AI-related threats. Federal departments will remain responsible for policy implementation and program management. The council functions as an advisory body within this framework, with AI for All continuing as the primary federal approach to national AI development.
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