OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national advisory body aimed at guiding Canada’s artificial intelligence policies and implementation efforts. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence commenced operations following its announcement on October 2, 2026. Its role is to advise the federal government on issues related to AI safety, economic applications, public service enhancement, and the development of sovereign technological capabilities. Additionally, the council will analyze infrastructure, talent development, research initiatives, and risks associated with the increasing use of artificial intelligence across the country.
The council is composed of experts from various sectors including technology, research, finance, government, and national security. Among its members are Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, and former national security adviser Jody Thomas. Senators Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, and Louis Vachon are also part of the panel. Patrick Pichette serves as an ex officio member. The Privy Council Office will support the council with a dedicated team.
While the council will not have the authority to independently formulate or enforce federal policies, it will provide guidance to support Canada’s broader AI objectives. Its advice will focus on AI adoption, maintaining public trust, strengthening Canadian tech firms, and bolstering domestic infrastructure. The council will also address issues related to governance, safety, and threats to democratic institutions. The new body is directly linked to the government’s Canada national AI for All framework, as announced by Mark Carney’s administration.
National strategy aims for specific AI adoption and growth targets
Canada launched the AI for All initiative in June 2026 as its comprehensive national AI strategy. The framework centers on building trust, fostering economic opportunities, and maintaining Canadian control over critical capabilities. It is structured around six pillars: public protection, workforce skills, business adoption, sovereign infrastructure, domestic companies, and international collaborations. The strategy also tackles issues such as privacy, online safety, and the security of government systems. Ottawa promotes this approach as a unified effort to advance artificial intelligence across sectors of the economy and public services.
The government has set ambitious measurable goals for this strategy, targeting an increase in AI adoption from slightly above 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. Moreover, the plan includes creating up to 90,000 employment opportunities and internships for young Canadians. In September, the government committed up to C$162 million to support 10,000 AI-related placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital advancements are integrated into the broader AI development plan
The formation of the council coincides with Ottawa’s push to expand digital technology utilization throughout federal agencies. In September 2026, the government launched Digital Transformation Canada, aimed at modernizing systems and streamlining technology procurement processes. This initiative consolidates Shared Services Canada with select functions from various federal entities, focusing on improving how digital tools are developed, acquired, and implemented. Patrick Pichette assumed the role of chief executive on September 9, 2026, and also serves as an ex officio member of the national AI council.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will offer strategic recommendations as Canada’s AI efforts evolve. Its scope covers AI adoption, workforce requirements, public service delivery, infrastructure, safety, and technological capacity. The council will also scrutinize governance frameworks and measures to protect democratic institutions from AI-related threats. Implementation of policies and programs will remain the responsibility of federal departments, with the council acting in an advisory capacity. The AI for All strategy continues to serve as the central framework guiding Canada’s national AI development.