OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has initiated the formation of a national artificial intelligence council tasked with advising the federal government on issues related to AI adoption, safety measures, and sovereignty concerns. Announced on October 2, 2026, the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will serve as an independent body offering practical guidance during Canada’s implementation of its AI for All national strategy. Its scope encompasses economic competitiveness, public service enhancement, research development, talent acquisition, infrastructure, and the broader governance of artificial intelligence.
The council’s responsibilities include exploring ways for Canada to boost AI integration across various sectors while maintaining control over vital technology. Additionally, it will provide counsel on Canadian AI companies, sovereign infrastructure, safety protocols, governance frameworks, and potential risks to democratic institutions. According to the government, this body will act as a bridge connecting public and private stakeholders and will identify areas requiring coordinated efforts. Policy decisions and execution will still fall under the authority of cabinet ministers and federal departments, with a dedicated team within the Privy Council Office supporting the council’s activities.
The membership comprises researchers, tech executives, investors, public servants, 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. The council also features Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, and Eric Lamarre. Patrick Pichette, CEO of Digital Transformation Canada, participates as an ex officio member. Their diverse backgrounds span research, finance, national security, technology, and public administration.
AI safety linked to national strategic priorities
Canada introduced AI for All in June 2026 as its overarching AI strategy. The framework emphasizes three main objectives: establishing trust, expanding opportunities, and ensuring Canadian control over essential AI capabilities. The strategy’s six pillars focus on public protection, skills development, economic integration, sovereign infrastructure, support for Canadian firms, and fostering international collaborations. It also advocates for strengthening AI safety infrastructure, updating privacy and online safety regulations, and securing government digital systems.
Concrete targets have been set by the federal government, including increasing AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034. It also aims to generate an additional C$200 billion in 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 roles and internships for young Canadians. In September, Ottawa allocated up to C$162 million over five years to fund 10,000 AI-related work placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Expansion of AI initiatives into public sector services
Canada also launched Digital Transformation Canada in September to upgrade federal services and promote digital technology adoption within the government. This initiative consolidates Shared Services Canada and select functions from multiple federal agencies. Its purpose is to improve how government develops, procures, and utilizes technology. Key priorities include leveraging federal purchasing power to support Canadian digital and AI firms in testing, scaling, and commercializing innovative technologies. Patrick Pichette was appointed as chief executive on September 9, 2026.
The new council’s role is advisory rather than policymaking. Its focus areas include AI adoption, public-sector transformation, talent development, and sovereign infrastructure, while also addressing safety, governance, and the protection of Canadian democracy as AI use advances. Recommendations made by the council will shape the evolution of AI for All, but ministers and departments will retain responsibility for policy decisions and implementation. The council does not possess separate authority to create or enforce federal policies.