OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national artificial intelligence council aimed at guiding the federal government on AI implementation, safety, and sovereignty issues. On October 2, 2026, Carney announced the formation of the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence. This body will offer independent, actionable advice as Canada advances its AI for All national strategy. Its scope includes economic competitiveness, public services, research, talent development, infrastructure, and overall governance of artificial intelligence.
The council’s role involves exploring ways for Canada to boost AI adoption throughout its economy while maintaining control over essential technology. It will also provide guidance on Canadian AI companies, sovereign infrastructure, safety measures, governance, and risks to democratic institutions. The government states that the council will facilitate connections between public and private stakeholders and pinpoint areas where coordinated efforts are needed. Policy decisions and their execution will remain the responsibility of cabinet ministers and federal departments. Support for the council will come from a small team within the Privy Council Office.
The council’s members include researchers, tech executives, investors, public officials, and specialists in AI safety and oversight. Notable members are Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, Jody Thomas, and Louis Vachon. Senators Thomas Pitfield and others such as John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, and Eric Lamarre also participate. Patrick Pichette, chief executive of Digital Transformation Canada, serves as an ex officio member. Their backgrounds span research, finance, security, technology, and public administration.
Linking AI safety with national policy
Canada introduced AI for All in June 2026 as its overarching AI strategy. The framework is based on three main goals: fostering trust, creating opportunities, and ensuring Canadian control over key AI capabilities. Its six pillars include public safety, skills development, economic integration, sovereign infrastructure, supporting Canadian companies, and forming international collaborations. The strategy emphasizes enhancing AI safety, updating privacy and online security laws, and securing government systems.
To support these objectives, the government set measurable targets. By 2034, AI adoption is expected to rise from just over 12% to 60%. Additionally, the plan aims for C$200 billion in extra economic growth and the creation of 250,000 new AI-related jobs over five years. The broader strategy also includes up to 90,000 AI-related jobs and placements for young Canadians. In September, Ottawa pledged up to C$162 million over five years to fund 10,000 AI work placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Government’s expanded focus on public services
Carney also launched Digital Transformation Canada in September. Its goal is to modernize federal services and increase digital tool use. The organization unites Shared Services Canada with select functions from various federal departments and agencies. Its mandate involves improving how the government develops, procures, and applies technology. It also aims to leverage federal purchasing power to help Canadian digital and AI firms test, grow, and commercialize innovations. Patrick Pichette became chief executive on September 9, 2026.
This new council functions as an advisory group, not a policymaking body. Its focus includes 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 as AI becomes more prevalent. The council’s recommendations will shape the evolution of AI for All, but ministers and departments will remain responsible for policy decisions and implementation. The council does not possess authority to create or enforce federal policies.