October 12, 2026. Canada’s federal government has a plan to help ensure artificial intelligence is used in a safe way by all Canadians. Known as “AI for All,” the plan is designed to build trust and expand opportunities while preserving the country’s sovereignty. As part of that effort, Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a National Council on Artificial Intelligence, which will provide independent advice on the AI revolution. The council includes 12 members who will talk to professionals such as thinkers, builders, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, public officials and international experts to advise on current AI challenges, while helping to create new ideas. It will include experts on AI safety, governance and oversight. “Prosperity and sovereignty in the age of AI belong to nations that can build, adopt and govern AI on their own terms,” Carney said in a statement. “This is Canada’s mission and it will require expertise and leadership from across the field. The new National Council on Artificial Intelligence will inform and advise the government on how to most effectively deploy AI in Canada—how to manage the risks, seize the opportunities and ensure AI is used to improve the lives of all Canadians.” Council members include: Ajay Agrawal, Yoshua Bengio, Sanja Fidler, Gillian Hadfield, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, Valérie Pisano, Sen. Thomas Pitfield, Jody Thomas, Louis Vachon, Michelle Zatlyn, Patrick Pichette (ex officio). Carney said he expects C$200 billion of AI-related economic growth to create 250,000 jobs in the next five years and to increase AI adoption from a current 12% to 60% by 2034. The strategy will provide up to 90,000 AI-related jobs and work placement opportunities for young Canadians and make Canadian industries more competitive globally, officials said.
Author: Michael McConnell
