Digital Sovereignty: Why Control, Continuity, and Lawful Authority Matter for Canada's Data Future

Digital Sovereignty: Why Control, Continuity, and Lawful Authority Matter for Canada's Data Future

Author: Canadian Government Executive April 29, 2026 Duration: 24:34

In this episode of CGE Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Craig McLellan, Founder & CEO of ThinkOn, one of Canada's leading voices in secure cloud infrastructure, sovereign data protection, and resilient digital systems.

As organizations increasingly rely on global cloud platforms, AI tools, and cross-border data services, a critical question emerges: Who truly controls your data? Craig explains why data sovereignty has become a strategic business issue—not just for governments, but for every Canadian organization that depends on digital infrastructure.

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in technology innovation and security, Craig breaks down the growing importance of maintaining lawful authority, operational continuity, and strategic independence over data, systems, and digital assets. He also explores the broader concept of digital sovereignty, including how infrastructure, software, networks, storage, algorithms, metadata, tokens, and encryption keys all play a role in protecting national and organizational interests.

Listeners will gain practical insights into how businesses can balance innovation with control, leverage cloud technology responsibly, and ask the right questions before handing critical information to vendors or third-party platforms.

About the Guest:

Craig McLellan is the Founder and CEO of ThinkOn, a Canadian-owned cloud services provider recognized for leadership in sovereign cloud infrastructure and secure data protection. Under his leadership, ThinkOn has been named one of Canada's fastest-growing companies by Deloitte's Technology Fast 50™ and The Globe and Mail's Report on Business, and was recognized by Broadcom as Sovereign Cloud Provider for the Americas.

In This Episode, We Explore:

  • What data sovereignty really means for everyday business owners
  • Why Canada's digital independence matters now more than ever
  • The hidden risks of storing data with hyperscalers like AWS and Azure
  • AI sovereignty risks when proprietary data enters third-party models
  • Why metadata, tokens, and encryption keys matter as much as the data itself
  • How to balance sovereignty with the benefits of global cloud infrastructure
  • What to ask vendors before signing SaaS or cloud contracts
  • How different national approaches to digital sovereignty impact global business

For decades, Canadian Government Executive has been the essential print and digital publication for those navigating the complex machinery of the public service. Canadian Government Executive Radio extends that legacy into audio, creating a direct channel for conversation about the policies, technologies, and leadership shaping governance from town halls to Parliament Hill. This podcast moves beyond press releases and official statements to explore the real-world implementation of ideas. Each episode features candid discussions with deputy ministers, city managers, IT directors, and frontline innovators who are tasked with turning legislation into action. You’ll hear about the challenges of digital transformation, the intersection of cybersecurity and citizen services, and the evolving nature of public sector leadership in a time of rapid change. It’s a forum for the people who build, manage, and protect the programs that define Canadian society. By focusing on the practical expertise of senior officials and the technologists enabling modern government, this series provides context and clarity that you won’t find in daily news coverage. Tune in for a nuanced perspective on how decisions are made, how technology is adopted, and how public service executives are steering their organizations toward the future. This is where policy meets practice, offering listeners an insider’s understanding of the forces that govern.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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