OTTAWA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Prime Minister Mark Carney has created a national council to advise Canada on artificial intelligence policy and adoption. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence began work after its October 2, 2026 announcement. It will advise the federal government on AI safety, economic use, public services and sovereign technology capacity. The council will also examine infrastructure, talent, research and risks linked to the expanding use of artificial intelligence across Canada.
The advisory group brings together specialists from technology, research, finance, government and national security. Members include 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 also serve on the council. Patrick Pichette participates as an ex officio member. The Privy Council Office will provide a small support team for the council’s work.
The council has no independent authority to create or enforce federal policy. Ministers and government departments will continue to make decisions and carry out approved measures. Its mandate focuses on advice that can support Canada’s broader AI agenda. That work includes artificial intelligence adoption, public trust, Canadian technology companies and domestic infrastructure. The council will also address governance, safety and threats to democratic institutions. Mark Carney’s government linked the new body directly to the national AI for All framework.
National strategy sets adoption and growth targets
Canada introduced AI for All in June 2026 as the federal government’s national artificial intelligence strategy. The plan organizes federal AI policy around trust, economic opportunity and Canadian control over critical capabilities. Six pillars cover public protection, skills, business adoption, sovereign infrastructure, domestic companies and international partnerships. The strategy also includes work on privacy, online safety and secure government systems. Ottawa has presented the framework as a coordinated approach to artificial intelligence across the economy and public sector.
The federal government has attached several measurable goals to the strategy. It wants national AI adoption to rise from just above 12% to 60% by 2034. Ottawa also targets C$200 billion in additional economic growth and 250,000 AI-related jobs over five years. The strategy includes plans for up to 90,000 jobs and work placements for young Canadians. In September, the government committed up to C$162 million for 10,000 AI-related placements through Mitacs AI Advantage.
Digital modernization forms part of broader AI agenda
The council arrives as Ottawa expands its use of digital technology across federal services. The government launched Digital Transformation Canada in September 2026 to modernize systems and improve technology procurement. The organization combines Shared Services Canada with selected functions from several federal bodies. It also aims to improve how departments develop, purchase and deploy digital tools. Patrick Pichette became chief executive on September 9, 2026. His role also places him on the national AI council as an ex officio member.
The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will provide recommendations as the federal AI program develops. Its scope covers adoption, workforce needs, public services, infrastructure, safety and Canadian technology capacity. The body will also consider governance and protection of democratic systems from AI-related risks. Federal departments will remain responsible for implementing policy and administering programs. The council will operate within that structure as an advisory forum, while AI for All remains the central federal framework for Canada’s national artificial intelligence agenda.