OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a national advisory body tasked with guiding Canada’s artificial intelligence policies and implementation. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence commenced its activities following the announcement made on October 2, 2026. Its role includes advising the federal government on issues related to AI safety, economic integration, public service enhancement, and the development of sovereign technological capabilities. Additionally, the council will scrutinize areas such as infrastructure, talent acquisition, research initiatives, and risks associated with the growing deployment of artificial intelligence across the country.
This expert panel comprises specialists from the fields of technology, research, finance, government, and national security. Members of the council include Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, and former national security adviser Jody Thomas. Also serving are senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, and Louis Vachon. Patrick Pichette participates as an ex officio member. The Privy Council Office will provide a modest support team to assist the council’s efforts.
This body does not possess independent authority to create or enforce federal policies. Decision-making and the implementation of approved measures will continue to rest with ministers and government departments. The council’s primary focus is on providing advice that supports Canada’s broader AI strategy, including aspects such as AI adoption, public trust, the growth of Canadian tech firms, and the development of national infrastructure. It will also address issues related to governance, safety, and threats to democratic institutions. The government under Mark Carney explicitly linked this new advisory body to the national AI for All framework.
Government’s National Plan Sets Clear Targets for AI Adoption and Expansion
Canada launched the AI for All initiative in June 2026 as its overarching national AI strategy. This plan centers on trust, economic growth, and maintaining Canadian control over vital capabilities. It is structured around six pillars that encompass public safety, skill development, business adoption, sovereign infrastructure, domestic companies, and international collaborations. Privacy, online safety, and secure government operations are also key elements of the strategy. Ottawa promotes this framework as a unified approach to advancing AI across the economy and public sectors.
The government has set specific, measurable objectives for this strategy. It aims to boost national AI adoption from just above 12% to 60% by 2034. Moreover, Ottawa targets an additional C$200 billion in economic growth and the creation of 250,000 AI-related jobs within five years. The plan also includes creating up to 90,000 jobs and work placements for young Canadians. In September, the government allocated up to C$162 million for 10,000 AI-related placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital Modernization as a Key Element of Canada’s AI Agenda
The establishment of the council coincides with Ottawa’s broader efforts to digitize federal services. In September 2026, Digital Transformation Canada was launched to modernize existing systems and enhance technology procurement processes. This initiative merges Shared Services Canada with certain functions from various federal agencies, aiming to improve how digital tools are developed, purchased, and deployed. Patrick Pichette was appointed chief executive on September 9, 2026, and he also serves as an ex officio member of the AI council.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will offer recommendations to support the evolving federal AI program. Its scope encompasses AI adoption, workforce needs, public services, infrastructure, safety, and the capacity of Canadian technology sectors. The council will also consider governance issues and ways to protect democratic institutions from AI-related risks. While federal departments will remain responsible for policy implementation and program management, the council will serve as an advisory forum. The AI for All framework continues to be the central policy for advancing Canada’s national artificial intelligence efforts.