OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has created a national artificial intelligence council designed to guide the federal government on issues related to AI adoption, security, and sovereignty. Announced on October 2, 2026, the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will offer independent, practical recommendations as Canada advances its AI for All national strategy. Its scope includes economic competitiveness, public services, research, talent development, infrastructure, and the overall governance of artificial intelligence.
This council will explore strategies for increasing AI deployment across Canada’s economy while maintaining control over vital technologies. It will also provide guidance on Canadian AI firms, sovereign infrastructure, safety measures, governance, and risks posed to democratic institutions. According to the government, the council will facilitate connections between public and private sector stakeholders and highlight opportunities for coordinated initiatives. Policy decisions and implementation responsibilities will remain with cabinet ministers and federal departments, supported by a small team within the Privy Council Office.
The membership consists of researchers, technology executives, investors, public officials, and specialists in AI safety and oversight. Members include 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, CEO of Digital Transformation Canada, serves as an ex officio member. Their backgrounds encompass research, finance, national security, technology, and public administration.
Council Connects AI Safety with National Goals
Canada launched its AI for All initiative in June 2026 as part of its national AI strategy. The framework emphasizes three main objectives: fostering trust, expanding opportunities, and enhancing Canadian control over critical AI capabilities. Its six pillars include public protection, skills development, economic adoption, sovereign infrastructure, supporting Canadian companies, and fostering international partnerships. The strategy also aims to boost AI safety capacity, update privacy and online safety regulations, and secure government systems.
The government has set quantifiable targets, such as increasing AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034, alongside plans for C$200 billion in additional economic growth and 250,000 new AI-related jobs within five years. It also envisions creating up to 90,000 AI-related jobs and work placements for young Canadians as part of the broader initiative. In September, Ottawa committed up to C$162 million over five years for 10,000 AI-related work placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Government’s AI Efforts Extend to Public Services
In September, Carney also launched Digital Transformation Canada to modernize federal services and broaden the government’s use of digital technologies. The agency consolidates Shared Services Canada and select functions from various federal departments and agencies, with a mandate to improve how the government develops, acquires, and deploys technology. Its priorities include leveraging federal purchasing power to support Canadian digital and AI companies in testing, scaling, and commercializing new innovations. Patrick Pichette assumed the role of chief executive on September 9, 2026.
The new council will serve purely as an advisory body, not a policymaking entity. Its focus will be on cross-cutting issues within the government’s AI agenda, including adoption, public sector transformation, talent development, and sovereign infrastructure. It will also address safety, governance, and the protection of Canadian democracy amid increasing AI use. Recommendations from the council will shape the ongoing development of AI for All, while ministers and departments remain responsible for policy decisions and implementation. The council does not possess separate authority to create or enforce federal policies.