OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national body to provide guidance on artificial intelligence policies and implementation across Canada. This initiative, known as the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence, commenced operations following its announcement on October 2, 2026. The council’s responsibilities include advising the federal government on issues related to AI safety, economic integration, public service applications, and the development of sovereign technological capabilities. Additionally, it will assess infrastructure, talent pipelines, research initiatives, and potential risks connected to the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence nationwide.
Bringing together experts from sectors such as technology, research, finance, government, and national security, the council’s membership features prominent figures including Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, and former national security adviser Jody Thomas. Other members include Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, and Louis Vachon. Patrick Pichette serves as an ex officio participant. The Privy Council Office will support the council with a dedicated team to facilitate its activities.
The council does not possess autonomous authority to create or enforce federal policies. Instead, it offers advice to support broader AI initiatives in Canada. Ministers and government agencies will retain decision-making power and responsibility for executing approved measures. Its primary role is to provide guidance on issues related to AI integration, fostering public trust, supporting Canadian tech firms, and strengthening domestic infrastructure. The council will also focus on governance, safety, and safeguarding democratic institutions. Mark Carney’s administration linked this new body directly to the national AI for All framework, aligning it with Canada’s strategic AI vision.
National plan establishes targets for adoption and expansion
Canada unveiled AI for All in June 2026 as its official national AI blueprint. The strategy centers on trust, economic prospects, and Canadian control over vital technological capabilities. Its six pillars cover areas including public safety, workforce development, business adoption, sovereign infrastructure, support for domestic companies, and international collaborations. The plan also addresses issues such as privacy, online safety, and the security of government systems. Ottawa positions this framework as a unified approach to AI deployment across the economy and public sector.
Several measurable objectives accompany the strategy. Canada aims to increase AI adoption from slightly over 12% to 60% by 2034. It also targets an additional C$200 billion in economic growth and the creation of 250,000 AI-related jobs within five years. The plan envisions up to 90,000 roles and work placements for young Canadians, with September seeing a commitment of up to C$162 million for 10,000 AI-focused internships via Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital upgrades are integral to the comprehensive AI strategy
The formation of the council coincides with Ottawa’s broader efforts to expand digital technology use in federal services. In September 2026, the government launched Digital Transformation Canada to modernize systems and streamline procurement processes. This organization merges Shared Services Canada with selected functions from various federal agencies, aiming to enhance how departments develop, acquire, and deploy digital tools. Patrick Pichette was appointed as chief executive on September 9, 2026, and also joins the national AI council as an ex officio member.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will play a key advisory role as the federal AI program progresses. Its scope includes AI adoption, workforce needs, public service delivery, infrastructure development, safety concerns, and strengthening Canadian technological capacity. It will also focus on governance, ensuring democratic systems are protected from AI-related threats. Federal departments will remain responsible for policy execution and program management, with the council serving as an advisory platform within this structure. The AI for All framework remains the core element guiding Canada’s national AI efforts.