OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has formed a national panel to provide guidance to Canada on artificial intelligence policy and implementation. This initiative, known as the Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence, started its activities following its announcement on October 2, 2026. Its role is to advise the federal government on issues related to AI safety, economic application, public services, and the country’s sovereignty in technology. Additionally, the council will assess infrastructure, talent development, research, and the potential risks associated with the growing adoption of artificial intelligence nationwide.
The council comprises experts from various sectors including technology, research, finance, government, and national security. Members feature Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Ajay Agrawal, Valérie Pisano, Michelle Zatlyn, and former national security adviser Jody Thomas. Senator Thomas Pitfield, John Graham, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, and Louis Vachon are also part of the group. Patrick Pichette joins as an ex officio member. The Privy Council Office will offer a small support team to assist the council’s work.
This council does not possess independent authority to establish or enforce federal policies. Decisions and actions remain the responsibility of ministers and government departments. Its primary mandate is to offer advice that supports Canada’s broader AI strategy, focusing on AI adoption, public trust, Canadian tech firms, and national infrastructure. It will also address issues related to governance, safety, and safeguarding democratic institutions. The government under Mark Carney has directly linked this new body to the national AI for All framework.
National plan establishes targets for AI adoption and expansion
Canada launched its AI for All strategy in June 2026, serving as the national artificial intelligence plan. The framework emphasizes trust, economic potential, and maintaining Canadian control over vital capabilities. It is built around six pillars, which include public protection, skills development, business integration, sovereign infrastructure, supporting domestic companies, and fostering international collaborations. The strategy also addresses privacy concerns, online safety, and the security of government systems. Ottawa presents this comprehensive approach as a coordinated effort to integrate AI across the public sector and economy.
The federal government has set tangible targets for this initiative. It aims to increase AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034. Ottawa aspires to generate an additional C$200 billion in economic growth and create 250,000 AI-related jobs over the next five years. The plan also includes creating up to 90,000 jobs and placements for young Canadians. In September, the government allocated up to C$162 million to support 10,000 AI-related placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Broader digital modernization efforts support AI development
The establishment of the council coincides with Ottawa’s push to expand digital technology use in federal services. In September 2026, the government launched Digital Transformation Canada to modernize systems and streamline technology procurement. This new organization merges Shared Services Canada with selected functions from various federal agencies and aims to enhance how digital tools are developed, acquired, and deployed. Patrick Pichette was appointed chief executive on September 9, 2026, and will also serve as an ex officio member of the national AI council.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence is set to provide strategic recommendations as Canada advances its AI initiatives. Its scope covers AI adoption, workforce requirements, public service enhancements, infrastructure, safety, and the country’s technological capacity. The council will also evaluate governance issues and how to protect democratic institutions from AI-related threats. While federal departments are responsible for implementing policies and managing programs, the council functions as an advisory body within that structure, maintaining the AI for All framework as the foundation of Canada’s national AI strategy.