Government of Canada and TELUS advance work to build sovereign AI infrastructure

The Government of Canada and TELUS are progressing a major AI data centre project in British Columbia as part of the federal Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres initiative. Announced by Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon, the project will expand Canada’s sovereign compute capacity, benefiting academia, industry, and researchers while ensuring data and economic advantages remain domestically controlled. The initiative follows Budget 2025’s commitment to support large-scale commercial AI data centres through non-binding memoranda of understanding (MOUs). By investing in this infrastructure, Canada aims to foster AI-driven economic growth, enhance productivity, and create jobs. The country’s geography, climate, sustainable energy sources, and network infrastructure make it an attractive hub for AI investment. TELUS’s involvement highlights the demand for cutting-edge AI infrastructure, as evidenced by the sold-out AI factory in Rimouski. The partnership signals Canada’s ambition to lead the AI revolution with robust technological and climate-focused solutions. Solomon emphasized the necessity of infrastructure to compete globally, ensuring Canadian innovators have access to essential compute resources. The project aligns with broader efforts to retain data sovereignty and intellectual property within Canada’s borders. By advancing this initiative, the government and TELUS aim to position Canada as a frontrunner in AI development, leveraging domestic expertise and resources to drive long-term innovation and economic benefits.