CCI Statement on Canada’s Responsible Data Centre Development Framework

Today, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon released Canada's Responsible Data Centre Development Framework. In response, Daniel Perry, Director of Federal Affairs at the Council of Canadian Innovators, issued the following statement.

"We are pleased to see that today’s framework highlights procurement for domestic companies and building long-term economic value for Canadians. How we do it matters. Canada should prioritize infrastructure with open platforms, so that Canadian firms can compete fairly in procurement processes without requirements that favour foreign incumbents.

“Data centres are important infrastructure, and Canada needs a strategic approach to building them. The decision is not about whether Canada will participate in the AI economy. We were founders of AI and continue to be important players. But we have to make smart choices about how we leverage our advantages in digital infrastructure to build value here at home.

“The world wants to build in Canada. We should embrace these investments, but we need to make sure Canadians get a good deal that builds up strong, global homegrown companies and delivers benefits to communities.

“Canada must support projects with Canadian-headquartered ownership stakes, joint ventures with Canadian firms, or enforceable commitments to allocate priority compute to domestic scaling firms.

“CCI recently convened our member CEOs on these questions. Canadian innovators need affordable access to compute, clarity on data governance, and procurement that makes major projects anchor customers. We look forward to working with the Minister to turn this framework into action, ensuring it delivers for Canadian innovators and Canada’s long-term economic interests.”
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Media Contact

Lisa Brody Hoffman
Director of Communications
‍lhoffman@canadianinnovators.org