Canadian tech leaders are balancing innovation with key priorities like data protection, sustainability and compliance.
So, what really matters when choosing a tech partner? A new study from OVHcloud and Léger asked Canadian businesses that very question.
The results are clear: Companies want more control over their data, greener solutions and the flexibility to choose the right providers. With the opening of their new data centre in Cambridge, one of Waterloo Region’s three cities, OVHcloud is stepping up to meet these needs – helping businesses stay secure, sustainable and competitive.
What Canadian tech leaders value most
The Léger study, which surveyed IT leaders across the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor, revealed five key insights:
- Data protection is a top priority. 88% of respondents emphasize the importance of storing data locally to ensure privacy and security.
- Sustainability matters. 81% of businesses prioritize environmental sustainability in their technology strategies, yet only 36% believe they receive clear information about their providers’ carbon emissions.
- Vendor flexibility is a challenge. 64% of companies feel locked into US-based cloud providers, citing a lack of options for switching.
- AI readiness is growing. 64% of organizations are confident in managing risks tied to AI and machine learning.
- Regulatory support is positive. 68% believe Canada’s regulations support innovation while protecting privacy, though 21% feel the rules are either too restrictive or not strong enough.
" Insights like these will help guide us toward a more innovative and resilient digital future. "
Tony LaMantia
President & CEO of Waterloo EDC
Built for Canada’s digital future
OVHcloud’s second Canadian data centre addresses key priorities outlined in the study. Located in a former BlackBerry building, the facility enables local data storage to protect privacy and meet compliance needs. Its advanced, energy-efficient design also helps businesses reduce environmental impact and meet sustainability goals.
Beyond infrastructure, OVHcloud is fostering talent development and innovation through a partnership with the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA).
The partnership – announced last fall in Waterloo – introduced a technology governance internship program, offering graduate students hands-on experience in critical areas like data protection and emerging tech policy. In return, OVHcloud gains fresh insights and innovative solutions that align with its mission.
A hub for innovation and growth
OVHcloud’s decision to join the Waterloo ecosystem was a strategic choice. It has all the ingredients a global tech leader needs to succeed:
- Its strategic location in Canada’s largest tech corridor connects businesses to talent, partners and markets across North America.
- Its innovation ecosystem includes world-class institutions like the University of Waterloo and support organizations such as Communitech and Velocity, enabling meaningful collaboration between industry, academia and government.
- And its robust talent pipeline – fuelled by over 50,000 post-secondary students and a strong reputation for producing top tech and engineering graduates – gives businesses the skilled workforce needed for growth.
The bottom line
OVHcloud’s study highlights what Canadian businesses care about most: data protection, sustainability and flexibility. With its recent expansion in Waterloo, OVHcloud is helping Canadian businesses meet these needs while strengthening one of Canada’s most vibrant tech ecosystems.