OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has formed a new national artificial intelligence council aimed at guiding the federal government on issues related to AI deployment, safety, and sovereignty. Announced on October 2, 2026, the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will offer independent, practical advice to support Canada’s implementation of its AI for All national strategy. The council’s scope includes economic competitiveness, public services, research, talent development, infrastructure, and the overarching governance of artificial intelligence.
This body will focus on how Canada can increase AI integration across various sectors while maintaining control over vital technologies. It will also provide recommendations on Canadian AI firms, sovereign infrastructure, safety protocols, governance, and risks to democratic institutions. According to the government, the council aims to facilitate collaboration among public and private sector stakeholders and identify areas where coordinated efforts are needed. While cabinet ministers and federal departments will retain authority over policy formulation and execution, a small team within the Privy Council Office will support its activities.
The council comprises researchers, tech executives, investors, public servants, and experts specializing in AI safety and oversight. Its 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 group. Patrick Pichette, CEO of Digital Transformation Canada, serves as an ex officio member. Their backgrounds span research, finance, national security, technology, and public administration.
Linking AI safety with the nation’s strategic goals
Canada launched its AI for All initiative in June 2026 as its overarching artificial intelligence strategy. The framework aims to achieve three core objectives: fostering trust, expanding opportunities, and enhancing Canadian control over critical AI capabilities. Its six pillars focus on public protection, skills development, economic adoption, sovereign infrastructure, Canadian companies, and international collaborations. The strategy emphasizes strengthening AI safety capabilities, modernizing privacy and online safety laws, and securing government systems.
To measure progress, the government set specific targets, 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. Under this plan, up to 90,000 AI-related positions and work placements for young Canadians are expected. In September, Ottawa committed up to C$162 million over five years to fund 10,000 AI-related work placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Expanding digital transformation into public services
In September, Carney also launched Digital Transformation Canada to modernize federal services and broaden the government’s adoption of digital tools. This initiative consolidates Shared Services Canada and selected functions from various federal departments and agencies, with the goal of improving technology development, procurement, and usage. Its priorities include leveraging federal purchasing power to support Canadian digital and AI firms in testing, scaling, and commercializing new technologies. Patrick Pichette became CEO of the organization on September 9, 2026.
The new council will serve as an advisory entity rather than a policymaking body. Its focus will be on cross-cutting issues related to AI adoption, public-sector transformation, talent development, and sovereign infrastructure. It will also evaluate safety, governance, and the protection of Canadian democracy as AI usage expands. Recommendations from the council will influence the evolution of the AI for All strategy, while ministers and departments will continue to hold policy responsibility. The council does not possess independent authority to enact or enforce federal policies.