New coalition to steer Canada’s digital infrastructure

A group of major data centre and cloud players has launched a new national industry body, the Canadian Coalition for Digital Infrastructure, which aims to shape policy and investment in the country's fast-growing digital infrastructure sector.

The coalition brings together cloud providers, data centre developers, co-location operators, equipment suppliers and other partners in the digital ecosystem. The group says it will act as a unified industry voice as large-scale investments in cloud and artificial intelligence reshape Canada's economy.

Founding members include Equinix, Amazon Web Services, Beacon AI Centres, Cologix Canada, EllisDon, eStruxture Data Centres, Schneider Electric Canada, STACK Americas and Vantage Data Centres.

The group launches at a time when private companies are planning billions of dollars of data centre investment in Canada over the next five years. The data centre industry already supports tens of thousands of jobs in the country. The coalition expects that number to rise as organisations expand cloud, AI and broader digital projects.

The coalition says its mission centres on building a thriving and sustainable digital infrastructure industry. It plans to focus on digital sovereignty, environmental impact, long-term energy supply and workforce development.

Members state that Canada faces an inflection point in digital infrastructure. They say new market entrants and new government frameworks are changing the investment landscape. The coalition plans to coordinate industry efforts across the country in response.

Founding members describe digital infrastructure as a core economic asset. They liken the role of data centres in the modern economy to the historic role of railways and ports in Canada's development. They say the reliability and resilience of this infrastructure affect both economic performance and daily life.

Hospitals, research institutions, small businesses and public agencies rely on digital platforms for operations and services. The coalition says digital infrastructure underpins cloud services, AI applications and financial systems that support these activities.

Members of the group want Canada to capture more AI-driven economic activity. They say stronger digital foundations will support that goal and will affect the country's global competitiveness.

Policy and awareness

The coalition plans education and awareness programmes for the public, policymakers and other stakeholders. It intends to focus these efforts on the role of data centres and related infrastructure in the daily lives of Canadians.

It also plans advocacy work for what it calls forward-looking policy. The group says it will push for a regulatory and investment environment that supports new data centre projects and digital infrastructure growth across regions.

The coalition says it will work with governments, utilities, academia and the wider innovation ecosystem. It wants closer coordination between these groups and the private sector on issues such as planning, power availability and skills.

One aim is to present Canada as a preferred destination for global data centre investment. Another is to make sure that expansion plans align with national priorities in areas such as climate, innovation and security.

Industry backing

The launch has drawn support from regional groups within the sector. The Western Canada Data Centre Alliance has publicly backed the move.

"The Western Canada Data Centre Alliance welcomes the formation of the CCDI and recognizes the value in a national association to advocate for Canada's data centre industry and the economic growth and job creation tied to this sector. Digital infrastructure has become essential infrastructure and is key to competitiveness. The Alliance looks forward to collaborating closely with the CCDI to advance our shared objectives," said Vlad Oujegov, President and Founder, Western Canada Data Centre Alliance.

Cloud providers in the coalition have also set out their views. "In today's global digital economy, Canadian companies need seamless access to world-class cloud and AI technologies to remain competitive. The CCDI will work to ensure Canadian businesses and public sector institutions can fully leverage leading technology while building a robust domestic digital infrastructure that supports innovation and growth," said Nicole Foster, Director, AWS Global AI and Canada Public Policy, Amazon Web Services.

Data centre developers say they see strong momentum in the market. "Canada's digital infrastructure sector is surging forward with unprecedented momentum and positioned to compete globally. At Beacon, we are thrilled to be founding members of the Canadian Coalition for Digital Infrastructure, igniting a bold vision to catapult Canada into the forefront of the global digital revolution and unlock transformative economic prosperity for Canadians," said Josh Schertzer, CEO at Beacon AI Centers.

Co-location operators describe the moment as pivotal for AI and digital services. "Canada is at a pivotal moment in its digital evolution. As AI becomes woven into everything from business operations to everyday digital services, the need for secure, sustainable and low-latency infrastructure has never been more critical. These capabilities must be built close to the people and organizations who rely on them. By joining this coalition, we're committed to collaborating with partners across the industry to strengthen Canada's digital backbone and support the innovation and economic growth that will define the country's future," said Sean Maskell, President and General Manager at Cologix Canada.

Construction and infrastructure firms see a role in strategy development. "This is an incredibly exciting time and a pivotal moment for Canada to be a leader in Digital Infrastructure on the world stage. As Canada's largest Data Centre Builder, EllisDon is delighted with the opportunity to contribute to the Canadian Coalition for Digital Infrastructure. This important coalition will help shape Canada's digital strategy to ensure that we create a successful ecosystem that attracts investments, opportunities and growth in the fourth industrial revolution," said Dan Jolivet, P.Eng., Senior Vice President / Area Manager, Life Sciences & Technology at EllisDon Corporation.

Global data centre operator Equinix underlined the link with AI policy. "Equinix Canada is proud to join the Canadian Coalition for Digital Infrastructure at this critical moment in Canada's AI journey. AI has become a team sport with organizations working together to support Canada's AI and innovation strategy. Through this alliance, and other associations, we can accelerate the development of world-class digital solutions that will attract investment, create high-skilled jobs, and strengthen Canada's position as a global leader in the digital economy," said Marc Mondesir, Managing Director, Canada at Equinix.

Other members frame digital infrastructure as a strategic asset. "Canada's digital infrastructure is now a strategic national asset. This coalition gives industry a unified platform to help Canada scale responsibly, strengthen domestic capacity, attract global investment, and ensure that Canadian organizations, from startups to major public institutions, have access to the sovereign, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure they need to compete globally," said Angela Adam, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Government Relations at eStruxture Data Centers.

"The launch of CCDI marks a significant milestone for Canada's digital future. By uniting industry leaders under one coalition, we are laying the foundation for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. This collaboration will help ensure Canada remains globally competitive while delivering the critical infrastructure needed to support emerging technologies like AI," said Emily Heitman, President at Schneider Electric Canada.

Regional growth hubs also feature in the coalition's agenda. "Toronto's strategic position as a gateway to Canada and the eastern U.S. has made it a key data center destination. STACK is pleased to join the CCDI and work with industry partners and policymakers to advance responsible, long-term infrastructure development," said Kevin Hughes, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs at STACK Americas.

Vantage Data Centres highlighted the scale of change underway. "We are living today in times of transformation as significant as the agricultural and industrial revolutions -- and digital infrastructure is at its core. Just as farms fueled our early economy and factories powered a new industrial age, data centres now drive the technologies that define modern life. They are the engines behind artificial intelligence, cloud computing, streaming, and every digital service Canadians rely on. By joining this coalition, Vantage is committed to building a secure, sustainable, and world-class digital ecosystem that will shape Canada's prosperity and global leadership for generations to come," Maxime Guévin, Senior Vice President & General Manager SDC and Canada at Vantage Data Centers.