OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has initiated the formation of a national artificial intelligence council aimed at guiding the federal government on issues related to AI adoption, safety, and sovereignty. Announced on October 2, 2026, the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will offer independent, practical counsel 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.
This council is tasked with exploring ways for Canada to increase AI deployment across various sectors while maintaining control over vital technologies. It will also provide recommendations on Canadian AI businesses, sovereign infrastructure, safety protocols, governance frameworks, and risks to democratic institutions. The government emphasizes that the council will facilitate collaboration among public and private stakeholders and pinpoint areas requiring coordinated efforts. While cabinet ministers and federal departments will retain policy responsibility and oversee implementation, a small team within the Privy Council Office will support its activities.
Comprising researchers, technology leaders, investors, public servants, and specialists in AI safety and oversight, the group features notable members such as Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, Jody Thomas, and Louis Vachon. Others include Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, and Eric Lamarre. 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 priorities
Canada introduced AI for All as its national AI framework in June 2026. The strategy is built around three core goals: fostering trust, expanding opportunities, and ensuring Canadian control over critical AI capabilities. Its six pillars address public protection, skills development, economic integration, sovereign infrastructure, support for Canadian companies, and international collaborations. Additionally, the plan advocates for enhanced AI safety measures, updated privacy and online safety regulations, and more secure government systems.
The government has established clear, measurable objectives, including increasing AI adoption from slightly over 12% to 60% by 2034. It also aims to generate C$200 billion in extra economic growth and create 250,000 new jobs related to AI within five years. Furthermore, the strategy outlines up to 90,000 AI-related positions and work placements for young Canadians. In September, Ottawa allocated up to C$162 million over five years for 10,000 AI-focused work placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Expansion of federal AI initiatives into public services
Carney also launched Digital Transformation Canada in September, aiming to modernize federal services and increase government adoption of digital solutions. This new organization consolidates Shared Services Canada and selected functions from various federal departments and agencies, with the goal of improving how government develops, procures, and utilizes technology. It also seeks to leverage federal purchasing power to support Canadian digital and AI firms in testing, scaling, and commercializing new innovations. Patrick Pichette took on the role of chief executive on September 9, 2026.
The newly formed council will serve solely as an advisory body and will not possess policymaking authority. Its primary focus will be on issues intersecting with the government’s AI agenda, including adoption strategies, public-sector transformation, talent acquisition, and sovereign infrastructure. It will also address safety, governance, and the protection of Canadian democracy amid the growing use of AI. Recommendations from the council will guide the evolution of AI for All, with ministers and departments remaining responsible for policy decisions and execution. The council does not have authority to create or implement federal policies independently.