Securing Canada’s Data Future: How Toronto's ThinkOn is Strengthening Digital Sovereignty for Government and Business

In an era where data is as valuable as natural resources, Canada’s reliance on foreign cloud infrastructure has become a pressing economic and national security issue. As global tensions rise and technological dependencies deepen, the need for sovereign cloud solutions—cloud services fully controlled within Canadian jurisdiction—is more urgent than ever.

ThinkOn, a Toronto-based cloud and data management company led by CEO Craig McLellan, is at the forefront of this shift. As one of the country’s leading Sovereign Cloud providers, ThinkOn offers a secure, compliant, and scalable alternative to foreign-controlled hyperscalers. By ensuring Canadian data stays subject to Canadian laws, ThinkOn is providing governments, businesses, and organizations with a trusted cloud infrastructure that reduces the risk of foreign intervention or surveillance.

While the case for sovereign cloud services has been growing, it has gained new urgency in recent years. Concerns about foreign data access under U.S. laws such as the Cloud Act have raised red flags for Canadian entities storing sensitive information on American-controlled platforms. Political uncertainty, including threats of tariffs and economic coercion, has only added to the need for domestic digital infrastructure that cannot be compromised by shifting geopolitical winds.

The Canadian federal government is among those recognizing the importance of sovereign cloud solutions. One example is ThinkOn’s collaboration with Nimble Information Strategies, which has resulted in a federally compliant digital document management and mail solution hosted entirely within Canada’s sovereign cloud.

“We need a trusted partner in the federal government to provide hosting of our applications while meeting the rigorous security standards required for Protected-B information and satisfying the ITSG-33 requirements,” says Daryl Stott, President of Nimble Information Strategies Inc. “With ThinkOn, we can check all those boxes.”

Through ThinkON and Nimble’s digital mail and document management solution, one of Canada’s largest federal government branches is now able to securely digitize, manage, and retrieve sensitive records without exposing them to foreign jurisdictions. The system consolidates all inbound communications, making them searchable, interactive, and compliant with Canadian data laws, while ensuring authorized departments can access critical information when needed.

For McLellan, this work is about more than providing a secure alternative—it’s about ensuring Canada’s ability to control its own digital infrastructure.

“Data sovereignty isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental requirement for any nation that wants to maintain control over its digital economy and critical information,” says Craig McLellan, CEO of ThinkOn. “If we don’t build and invest in sovereign cloud solutions, we’re leaving the door open to unnecessary risk and reliance on foreign interests.”

ThinkOn is eager to work with Canadian software companies to build sovereign solutions for both the commercial and public sector markets across Canada.

As Canada accelerates investment in AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure, the need for Canadian-controlled solutions will only grow. ThinkOn is proving that businesses and governments don’t have to rely on foreign hyperscalers to access world-class cloud technology. By providing secure, scalable, and fully Canadian cloud solutions, ThinkOn is helping fortify the country’s digital infrastructure, reduce vulnerabilities, and ensure that sensitive data remains protected under Canadian jurisdiction.

As data continues to drive economic growth, Canada’s ability to retain control over its own digital assets will be a defining factor in its long-term security and prosperity. ThinkOn is leading that charge—ensuring that Canada’s digital future remains firmly in Canadian hands.

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This article is part of CCI’s new “By Canadian Innovators” series, which showcases how members of the Council of Canadian Innovators work with homegrown companies to fuel their growth and make Canada more prosperous. Each story in this series highlights the unique contributions of these companies to building a more prosperous, innovation-driven economy. To learn more about the companies CCI works with to build a more prosperous Canada, visit our member directory.