OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has set up a nationwide council tasked with guiding Canada’s 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 includes advising the federal government on issues of AI safety, economic integration, public service enhancement, and the development of sovereign technological infrastructure. Additionally, the council will review topics such as infrastructure, talent development, research initiatives, and risks associated with the growing deployment of artificial intelligence throughout Canada.
Bringing together experts from various fields including technology, academia, finance, government, and security, the advisory group features prominent figures such as Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, and ex-national security adviser Jody Thomas. Members also include 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.
The council does not possess independent authority to formulate or enforce federal policies. Instead, it provides advice to inform decisions made by ministers and government agencies. Its primary focus is on supporting Canada’s broader artificial intelligence initiatives, including AI adoption, fostering public trust, nurturing Canadian tech companies, and strengthening domestic infrastructure. The council will also tackle governance issues, safety concerns, and the safeguarding of democratic institutions. The new body is directly linked to the national AI for All framework, as announced by Mark Carney’s government.
National AI Strategy Sets Ambitious Targets for Adoption and Expansion
Canada launched AI for All in June 2026, establishing it as the country’s official national AI policy. This strategy centers on building trust, unlocking economic opportunities, and maintaining Canadian control over essential capabilities. It is structured around six key pillars: public safety, skills development, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, support for local companies, and international collaborations. The plan also emphasizes privacy, online safety, and securing government systems. Ottawa presents this framework as a comprehensive, coordinated effort to advance AI across both the economy and public sector.
The federal government has set clear, measurable objectives for the strategy. It aims to increase national AI adoption from just above 12% to 60% by 2034, generate an additional C$200 billion in economic growth, and create 250,000 AI-related jobs within five years. The plan also includes initiatives for up to 90,000 jobs and placements targeted at young Canadians. In September, the government pledged up to C$162 million to support 10,000 AI-related internships through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital Transformation Efforts Complement the Broader AI Vision
The establishment of the council coincides with Ottawa’s push to expand digital technology across federal services. In September 2026, the government introduced Digital Transformation Canada, aiming to modernize systems and streamline procurement processes. This initiative consolidates Shared Services Canada with select functions from various federal agencies to enhance digital tool development, purchasing, and deployment. Patrick Pichette was appointed chief executive on September 9, 2026, and his position also makes him an ex officio member of the national AI council.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence is tasked with providing strategic advice as Canada advances its AI programs. Its areas of focus include AI adoption, workforce needs, public services, infrastructure, safety, and the capacity of Canadian technology firms. The council will also consider issues related to governance and the protection of democratic institutions from AI-related risks. Federal departments will continue to be responsible for policy implementation and program management, with the council serving as an advisory platform within this framework. The AI for All initiative remains the foundational structure for Canada’s national AI ambitions.