OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national council aimed at advising Canada on artificial intelligence strategies and implementation. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence, announced on October 2, 2026, has now begun its work. Its role is to provide guidance to the federal government on issues such as AI safety, economic integration, public service applications, and the development of sovereign technological capacity. Additionally, the council will analyze infrastructure, talent development, research initiatives, and risks associated with the growing adoption of artificial intelligence throughout Canada.
This advisory body comprises experts from sectors including technology, research, finance, government, and national security. Members include Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, and former national security adviser Jody Thomas. Other members are Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, and Louis Vachon, with Patrick Pichette participating as an ex officio member. The Privy Council Office will support the council with a dedicated team.
While the council offers strategic advice, it does not possess independent authority to create or enforce federal policies. Decisions and actions remain under ministers and government departments. Its primary focus is to support Canada’s broader AI objectives, including adoption, building public trust, strengthening domestic tech firms, and developing infrastructure. It will also address issues related to governance, safety, and protecting democratic institutions. The new body is directly linked to the national AI for All framework, as announced by Mark Carney’s administration.
National plan targets growth and adoption milestones
Canada launched its AI for All initiative in June 2026, establishing the country’s official AI strategy. This plan emphasizes trust, economic prospects, and Canadian control over vital capabilities, structured around six pillars: public protection, skills development, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, support for domestic companies, and international collaborations. It also tackles privacy, online safety, and secure government systems, presenting a unified approach across sectors.
The government has set measurable objectives, aiming to increase AI adoption from slightly over 12% to 60% by 2034. It also aspires to generate an additional C$200 billion in economic growth and create 250,000 AI-related jobs within five years. The strategy includes plans for up to 90,000 jobs and internships for young Canadians. In September, Ottawa committed up to C$162 million for 10,000 AI-focused placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital upgrade integrates into the broader AI initiative
The formation of the council coincides with Ottawa’s push to expand digital technology use across federal agencies. In September 2026, the government launched Digital Transformation Canada to modernize systems and streamline technology procurement. This agency merges Shared Services Canada with selected functions from other federal bodies, aiming to improve how digital tools are developed, bought, and deployed. Patrick Pichette took on the role of chief executive on September 9, 2026, and also serves as an ex officio member of the AI council.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will play a consultative role as the federal AI program progresses. Its scope includes adoption, workforce needs, public services, infrastructure, safety, and technological capacity within Canada. The council will also evaluate governance and measures to protect democratic institutions from AI-related risks. Ultimately, federal departments retain responsibility for policy implementation and program management, with the council functioning as an advisory body within this structure, aligned with the overarching AI for All framework guiding Canada’s AI efforts.