OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has initiated a national artificial intelligence council designed to advise the federal government on AI integration, safety measures, and sovereignty concerns. Announced on October 2, 2026, the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence aims to offer independent, practical guidance as Canada advances its AI for All national strategy. The council’s scope includes economic competitiveness, public services, research, talent development, infrastructure, and the overall governance of artificial intelligence.
The council’s role is to explore ways for Canada to expand AI deployment across various sectors while maintaining oversight of key technologies. It will also provide recommendations on Canadian AI firms, sovereign infrastructure, safety protocols, governance, and risks to democratic institutions. The government states that the council will facilitate collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders and pinpoint areas for coordinated efforts. Policy decisions and implementation will remain with cabinet ministers and federal departments, with a small team within the Privy Council Office supporting the council’s activities.
The council comprises researchers, tech executives, investors, public officials, and specialists in AI safety and oversight. Members include Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, Jody Thomas, and Louis Vachon. Senators Thomas Pitfield and others like John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, and Eric Lamarre also serve. Patrick Pichette, CEO of Digital Transformation Canada, holds an ex officio position. The members’ backgrounds span research, finance, national security, technology, and public administration.
Integrating AI Safety with National Strategy
Canada unveiled its AI for All initiative in June 2026 as its overarching AI strategy. It emphasizes three core objectives: fostering trust, expanding opportunities, and maintaining Canadian sovereignty over critical AI capabilities. The strategy’s six pillars focus on public protection, skills development, economic adoption, sovereign infrastructure, support for Canadian firms, and international collaborations. It also emphasizes strengthening AI safety infrastructure, updating privacy and online safety regulations, and securing government systems.
Specific measurable goals accompany the strategy, including increasing AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034, adding C$200 billion in economic growth, and creating 250,000 new AI-related jobs within five years. Ottawa also plans to generate up to 90,000 AI-focused jobs and internships for young Canadians as part of this broader initiative. In September, the government committed up to C$162 million over five years to support 10,000 AI-related work placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Expansion into Public Sector with Digital Transformation
In September, Carney launched Digital Transformation Canada to modernize federal services and broaden the government’s digital capabilities. This new entity consolidates Shared Services Canada along with select functions from various departments and agencies. Its mission is to enhance how the government develops, purchases, and utilizes technology. A key focus is leveraging federal purchasing power to help Canadian digital and AI firms test, scale, and bring new innovations to market. Patrick Pichette was appointed chief executive on September 9, 2026.
The new council will serve primarily as an advisory group rather than a policymaker. Its responsibilities include issues relevant to the government’s AI agenda—such as adoption, public sector transformation, talent development, and sovereign infrastructure. It will also address safety, governance, and the protection of Canadian democracy amid AI growth. Recommendations from the council will shape the ongoing development of AI for All, while policy decisions and execution remain the prerogative of ministers and departments. The council does not hold independent authority to enact or enforce federal policies.