By Paul Allard — Technology entrepreneur, specialist in sovereign data and AI governance, co-founder of Données souveraines Québec
The recent announcement by the Quebec government to create a new IT company in partnership with CGI, to reduce the state's dependence on foreign digital giants, marks an important turning point in the Quebec digital sovereignty debate. The goal is legitimate, necessary and widely shared. However, the approach warrants a more nuanced reading and increased vigilance.
A Business Model to Question
CGI is a Quebec company of international scope with real expertise and proven execution capabilities. However, it is also part of a systemic business model that relies heavily on major global technology platforms like Microsoft Azure, AWS, or other dominant ecosystems.
Without transformation of the decision-making framework, there is a real risk of shifting rather than reducing technological dependence.
Local Capabilities Exist — But Are Underutilized
CGI possesses three data centers in Canada, two in the Montreal region, and already offers dedicated hosting services and some cloud capabilities. CGI could contribute to building truly sovereign private or hybrid cloud solutions designed for the specific needs of the Quebec state. However, this requires a clear, binding framework oriented toward real sovereignty, not merely contractual sovereignty.
A Sovereignty to Build Collectively
Digital sovereignty is not a turnkey product. It is a collective endeavor that rests on governance choices, clear technological criteria, increased transparency, and a genuine will to transform practices.
Données souveraines Québec believes this pivotal moment should be the opportunity to open dialogue, clarify objectives, and define what it truly means to "be sovereign" in the digital age.
Paul Allard, co-founder — On behalf of the Board of Directors of Données souveraines Québec