OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a new national artificial intelligence council aimed at guiding the federal government on issues related to AI deployment, safety measures, and sovereignty. On October 2, 2026, Carney announced the formation of the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence. This body will offer independent, practical guidance as Canada advances its AI for All national strategy. Its scope includes economic competitiveness, public services, research, talent development, infrastructure, and the overall governance of artificial intelligence.
Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that the council would assess how Canada can boost AI adoption across various sectors while maintaining control over crucial technologies. It will also provide counsel on Canadian AI firms, sovereign infrastructure, safety protocols, governance frameworks, and potential risks to democratic institutions. According to government officials, the council will facilitate collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders and highlight areas requiring coordinated efforts. While federal departments and cabinet ministers will retain policy decision-making authority, a small team within the Privy Council Office will support its activities.
The council’s membership features researchers, technology leaders, investors, government officials, 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. Additionally, Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, and Eric Lamarre are among the participants. 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 Canada’s Strategic Vision
Canada launched its AI for All initiative in June 2026 as the framework for its national AI strategy. The plan focuses on three key pillars: building trust, expanding opportunities, and maintaining Canadian control over vital AI capabilities. Its six pillars include public protection, skills development, economic adoption, sovereign infrastructure, support for Canadian companies, and international collaboration. The strategy also emphasizes enhancing AI safety, updating privacy and online safety regulations, and strengthening government cybersecurity measures.
To measure progress, the government set clear targets, such as 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. Furthermore, the government plans to create up to 90,000 AI jobs and internships for young Canadians as part of this broader initiative. In September, Ottawa allocated up to C$162 million over five years to support 10,000 AI-focused work placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Expansion of Federal Digital Initiatives into Public Services
September also saw the launch of Digital Transformation Canada, an effort aimed at modernizing federal services and expanding the government’s digital capacity. This new organization consolidates Shared Services Canada with selected functions from various federal departments and agencies. Its primary goal is to improve the development, procurement, and utilization of technology within the government. An important part of its mission involves leveraging federal purchasing power to support Canadian digital and AI companies in testing, scaling, and commercializing innovative technologies. Patrick Pichette took on the role of chief executive on September 9, 2026.
The newly formed council will function as an advisory body rather than a policymaking entity. Its focus will include issues that span across the government’s AI initiatives, such as adoption, public-sector transformation, talent development, and sovereign infrastructure. It will also address safety concerns, governance issues, and the protection of Canadian democracy amidst expanding AI use. Recommendations made by the council will shape the future of the AI for All strategy, while ultimate policy decisions and implementation responsibilities will stay with ministers and federal departments. The council does not possess any separate authority to create or enforce federal policies.