OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national artificial intelligence council aimed at guiding the federal government on issues related to AI implementation, safety, and sovereignty. Announced on October 2, 2026, the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will serve as an independent advisory body offering practical insights as Canada advances its AI for All national initiative. Its scope encompasses economic competitiveness, public services, research, talent development, infrastructure, and the broader governance of artificial intelligence.
This council will explore strategies for expanding AI usage across Canada’s economy while reinforcing oversight over vital technologies. It will also provide recommendations concerning Canadian AI firms, sovereign infrastructure, safety protocols, governance structures, and the potential risks to democratic institutions. The government emphasizes that the council will facilitate collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders, pinpointing areas for coordinated efforts. Policy decisions and implementation responsibilities will stay with cabinet ministers and federal departments, while a dedicated team within the Privy Council Office will support the council’s initiatives.
The member composition includes researchers, technology executives, investors, public officials, and experts in AI safety and oversight. Notable members are 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, chief executive of Digital Transformation Canada, participates as an ex officio member. Their backgrounds span research, finance, national security, technology, and public administration.
Linking AI safety to national strategy
Canada introduced AI for All in June 2026 as its overarching artificial intelligence plan. The strategy emphasizes three key goals: fostering trust, creating opportunities, and maintaining Canadian control over essential AI capabilities. Its six pillars address public safety, workforce skills, economic adoption, sovereign infrastructure, supporting Canadian companies, and international collaborations. The plan also advocates for enhanced AI safety capabilities, updated privacy and online safety policies, and more resilient government systems.
To support these ambitions, the federal government has set measurable benchmarks, including increasing AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034. It aims to generate an additional C$200 billion in economic growth and create 250,000 new jobs related to AI over five years. The broader strategy also envisions up to 90,000 AI-focused jobs and work placements for young Canadians. In September, Ottawa committed up to C$162 million over five years to fund 10,000 AI-related internships through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Expanding AI-driven public services
Carney also announced the creation of Digital Transformation Canada in September, an initiative to upgrade federal services and promote digital tools within government operations. This new organization consolidates Shared Services Canada with select functions from various federal departments and agencies. Its core mission is to improve how the government develops, procures, and deploys technology. A key focus is leveraging federal purchasing power to support Canadian digital and AI companies in testing, scaling, and commercializing emerging technologies. Patrick Pichette was appointed chief executive on September 9, 2026.
The new council is intended to serve solely as an advisory body, not as a policymaking entity. Its efforts will concentrate on cross-cutting issues within the government’s AI agenda, such as adoption, public sector modernization, talent acquisition, and safeguarding sovereign infrastructure. It will also address concerns related to safety, governance, and the protection of Canadian democracy as AI applications grow. Recommendations from the council will help shape the evolution of AI for All, while ministers and departments retain responsibility for policy decisions and implementation. The council does not possess separate authority to create or enforce federal policies.