Based on coverage from CBC and CityNews Winnipeg.
Manitoba's Plan for Local Data Infrastructure
Manitoba is gearing up for a tech transformation. Premier Wab Kinew announced plans to build more data storage infrastructure within the province, aiming to reduce reliance on U.S.-based cloud services like Google and Microsoft. This move is part of a broader strategy to bolster the province's tech sector and ensure that data remains under Canadian jurisdiction. "You'll see servers and data centres in Manitoba in the future," Kinew assured reporters, emphasizing the need for local capacity to drive the next generation of Manitoba's economy.
The announcement followed the release of a report on Manitoba's tech future, crafted by a team led by Jim Balsillie, the former CEO of Research in Motion. The report highlights the risks of over-dependence on foreign tech giants, which could lead to steep price hikes and privacy concerns. Kinew stressed the importance of keeping data within Canadian borders to protect privacy and ensure compliance with Canadian laws.
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Recommendations for Manitoba's Tech Growth
The report, presented at a Manitoba Chambers of Commerce event, offers over a dozen recommendations to enhance the province's tech landscape. Key among them is the need to strengthen connections between universities, industry, and government. This would ensure that taxpayer-funded research translates into local economic benefits, including high-value jobs and commercial outcomes. The report also suggests boosting hydroelectric connectivity to support the infrastructure needed for an economy increasingly driven by artificial intelligence.
Jim Balsillie, who co-led the task force, pointed out that Canada has often been content to generate knowledge without reaping its full benefits. The report calls for building province-wide intellectual property (IP) literacy and providing firms with the tools to protect and commercialize their innovations. "For too long, Canada has been content to generate knowledge but then let others capture the benefits," Balsillie noted.
Focus on Data Protection and AI Development
As AI continues to reshape the global economy, Manitoba is positioning itself to adapt and thrive. The report underscores the importance of protecting data and developing skills in AI and research and development. Kinew highlighted the vulnerability of data once it crosses into the U.S., where it becomes subject to the Patriot Act. Most web traffic from Manitoba currently routes through Chicago, making local data infrastructure a priority.
While Kinew was noncommittal about specific projects, he reiterated the province's commitment to building its tech capacity. "We should stop sending all of our information south of the border," he said, emphasizing the need for a tech-powered economy in Manitoba. The report serves as a blueprint for the province to protect jobs and ensure a prosperous future in an AI-driven world.
Related: Manitoba Plans $30 Billion in Energy Projects, Aims for Economic Transformation
