OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has initiated a new national artificial intelligence council aimed at guiding the federal government on issues related to AI deployment, 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 broader governance of artificial intelligence.
The council’s role involves exploring how Canada can foster greater AI integration across various sectors while maintaining control over key technologies. It will also provide counsel on Canadian AI businesses, sovereign infrastructure, safety, governance, and potential risks to democratic institutions. According to the government, the council will facilitate connections among public and private sector stakeholders and pinpoint areas where coordinated efforts are needed. Policy decisions and their implementation will remain the responsibility of cabinet ministers and federal departments, with support from a dedicated team within the Privy Council Office.
The membership encompasses researchers, tech executives, investors, public officials, and specialists in AI safety and oversight. Notable members include Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, Jody Thomas, and Louis Vachon. Senators Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, and Eric Lamarre are also part of the council. Patrick Pichette, CEO of Digital Transformation Canada, serves as an ex officio member. Their expertise spans research, finance, national security, technology, and public administration.
Linking AI safety with national strategy
Canada introduced AI for All in June 2026 as the country’s overarching AI strategy. This plan emphasizes three main objectives: fostering trust, creating opportunities, and maintaining Canadian control over essential AI technologies. Its six pillars address public protection, skill development, economic adoption, sovereign infrastructure, support for Canadian companies, and international collaborations. The strategy also emphasizes building stronger AI safety capacity, updating privacy and online safety regulations, and securing government systems.
To measure progress, the federal government set targets such as increasing AI adoption from slightly over 12% to 60% by 2034. Additionally, it aims to generate C$200 billion in extra economic growth and create 250,000 new AI-related jobs within five years. The broader strategy includes plans for up to 90,000 AI-related jobs and work placements for young Canadians. In September, Ottawa committed up to C$162 million over five years to facilitate 10,000 AI-related internships through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Expansion of AI initiatives into public sector services
Prime Minister Mark Carney also launched Digital Transformation Canada in September to modernize federal services and promote the use of digital tools. This initiative consolidates Shared Services Canada with select functions from various federal departments and agencies, aiming to improve how government develops, purchases, and deploys technology. Key priorities include leveraging federal purchasing power to help Canadian digital and AI firms test, scale, and commercialize innovations. Patrick Pichette became chief executive on September 9, 2026.
The newly formed council functions as an advisory body, not a policymaking entity. Its focus will be on cross-cutting issues such as AI adoption, public-sector transformation, talent development, and sovereign infrastructure. It will also address safety, governance, and the protection of Canadian democracy in the face of expanding AI use. The council’s guidance will shape the evolution of AI for All, but policy decisions and implementation remain under ministers’ and departments’ responsibility. The council does not hold separate authority to create or enforce federal policies.