Carney creates an expert council for Canada’s AI strategy
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a National Council on Artificial Intelligence to advise Canada’s government on adoption, safety and national capabilities. Researchers, business leaders and public-administration specialists will support the AI for All strategy launched in June. A small team in the Privy Council Office will assist the council, while ministers remain responsible for policy decisions and implementation.
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A new council will advise Ottawa on AI adoption
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the National Council on Artificial Intelligence in Ottawa on 2 October. The body brings together specialists from research, business, law and public administration to advise the federal government. Its agenda covers AI adoption, responsible development and Canada’s ability to build and govern the technology. The council is intended to provide independent, practical advice as AI affects workplaces, industries and public services. It will contribute to the government’s national strategy rather than taking over implementation from the ministers and departments responsible for each policy area.[1], [2]
Researchers and business leaders join the membership
Members include AI researcher Yoshua Bengio, AI and robotics specialist Sanja Fidler, legal scholar Gillian Hadfield and Cloudflare executive Michelle Zatlyn. The announced roster also names Ajay Agrawal, John Graham, Jordan Jacobs, Eric Lamarre, Valérie Pisano, Senator Thomas Pitfield, Jody Thomas and Louis Vachon. Patrick Pichette joins as an ex officio member, meaning membership follows his official role.[1]
The council draws on different professional backgrounds for its advisory work. A small team in the Privy Council Office, which supports the prime minister and cabinet, will assist its operations.[1]
AI for All links trust, opportunity and national capabilities
The council will support AI for All, Canada’s national AI strategy announced in June. Its stated objectives are building trust, expanding opportunities and strengthening Canadian control over important AI capabilities. Wider adoption and national infrastructure sit alongside safety and governance in the strategy’s agenda. The government presents economic opportunity and reliable deployment as goals of its AI work. The council’s recommendations will feed into that continuing strategy, while ministries retain responsibility for deciding and carrying out policies. The new membership gives the government an advisory group covering both technical development and the legal and organisational issues surrounding deployment. The council’s advisory work includes talent and research, economic competitiveness and government transformation. Its members will consider how adoption, national infrastructure and governance fit into the continuing implementation of Canada’s strategy.[1]
