MAC will not connect to Canon Pixma Printer

Thanks and yes I am aware it is AirPrint compatible. However, after reading numerous forums and watching YT videos, that could be part of the problem, as many are saying that is the wrong driver for a Mac. I dont care now about printing from an iPad or iPhone and in fact deleted the Canon app from my phone to try eliminate possible problems. I was able to set it up once this way, using the driver that I think said Canon G7000 series and it worked fine that night but then was gone again the next morning.

When you say setup the printer on the network first, I assume you mean adding it manually by adding the wifi password. I have done this numerous times, as the Canon Wifi setup never works. when I enter it manually it accepts it but the next day after the printer goes to sleep, I think the password is not saved but I am not sure. When I go to System settings>Scanners>Add printer is it never there to add? This has been an ongoing issue. Not sure why this is tough. I follow all Canon install installation instructions and processes, with the latest drivers etc but still never installs. As well, at the very end it asks for drive info and I see other brands like Epson etc but never Canon, not sure why.