OpenText, TELUS launch Canada’s first sovereign cloud AI platform
WATERLOO and VANCOUVER, CANADA — Canadian enterprises and government agencies now have access to a fully sovereign cloud AI solution that keeps all data securely within national borders.
OpenText and TELUS have partnered to launch the Canadian Sovereign Cloud, combining enterprise-grade AI capabilities with strict compliance to Canadian security standards in purpose-built data centers.
“We are delivering a uniquely Canadian solution — one that empowers our customers to innovate with confidence, knowing their data and AI workloads remain protected and in-country,” said Mark Barrenechea, OpenText CEO & CTO.
Data sovereignty meets cutting-edge AI
The pioneering platform addresses growing concerns about data residency and privacy regulations while still providing access to OpenText’s powerful Aviator AI products for search and summarization capabilities.
As almost a thousand Canadian organizations have already adopted AI-powered cloud applications, the sovereign solution further rewards them in the sectors where strict compliance is enforced.
“We will enable our customers to leverage the complete AI development process — from building new AI models and fine-tuning existing ones for their specific needs, to deploying them in their business operations – all while keeping Canadian data safely within our nation’s borders,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS.
Both companies adopted the voluntary AI code of conduct in Canada early on. Thus, they have a trust relationship with government agencies and regulated sectors interested in harnessing the power of AI without putting it at risk.
Ready-to-deploy solution for national digital transformation
Unlike theoretical sovereign cloud concepts, this offering is commercially available through existing procurement vehicles, having undergone rigorous technical evaluations.
The partnership combines OpenText’s information management expertise with TELUS’ communications infrastructure to deliver a turnkey solution for enterprises transitioning to AI-driven operations.
The timing aligns with Canada’s push for technological independence, providing organizations with a domestic alternative to foreign cloud providers.
By hosting AI Factory capabilities within Canadian borders, the platform enables businesses to innovate while maintaining complete control over sensitive data, a critical advantage in sectors like healthcare, finance, and government services.
Availability and next steps
The Canadian Sovereign Cloud is the project scheduled to launch in September 2025 and operates as a strategic investment in our national digital infrastructure.
“Canada needs trusted data infrastructure and industry-leading sovereign AI capabilities to advance our technology sector… This will help build the economy of the future and serve Canadians in the digital economy of tomorrow. We need to see more collaborations like this to drive our nation forward,” said Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation.
Organizations can now get advice on how to move to and develop sovereign AI capabilities, making it easier to switch to these secure AI systems in Canada as the country focuses on safe and compliant cloud technology.
