- Microsoft (NDAQ:MSFT) will expand its presence in Quebec with new computing capacity and AI and cybersecurity skilling initiatives
- Skilling initiative collaborators include KMPG and NPower Canada
- The tech giant will invest US$500 million to expand its hyperscale cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Quebec over the next two years
- Microsoft stock (NDAQ:MSFT) is up by 52.25 per cent year-over-year and by 261.96 per cent since 2018
Microsoft (NDAQ:MSFT) will expand its presence in Quebec with new computing capacity and AI and cybersecurity skilling initiatives to create jobs, spur innovation and “help prepare the province for the new AI economy,” according to an announcement Wednesday.
The tech giant will invest US$500 million to expand its hyperscale cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Quebec over the next two years. This will expand Microsoft’s local cloud infrastructure footprint by 750 per cent across Canada over the period.
Quebec organizations will be able to build on new and existing computing capacity across the province, including a data centre region launched in 2016.
Microsoft will break ground on new data centre locations in the coming months in L’Ancienne-Lorette, Donnacona, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and Lévis, each of which will be built to contribute to the company’s goals to be carbon negative, water positive and zero-waste by 2030. Environmental features include low-carbon materials, the use of renewable energy, and advanced cooling features to minimize diesel fuel use.
Microsoft’s current presence in Quebec represents more than 3,200 partners and cloud infrastructure accounts, more than 57,000 jobs, and more than C$6.4 billion annually to Quebec’s GDP. The company was the first to launch enterprise-grade, hyperscale cloud services in Quebec.
“Quebec is at the forefront of global innovation on artificial intelligence, with one of the highest concentrations of deep learning researchers in the world. Our government is committed to working with partners, like Microsoft, to ensure that all actors in the Canadian AI ecosystem have access to the resources and computing infrastructure they need to advance the commercialization of AI systems here at home, and to advance AI that provides social and economic benefits to all Canadians,” François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said in a statement.
“Today’s announcement builds on the extensive investments Microsoft has made in Quebec and is just the latest example of our deep commitment to this province,” added Chris Barry, president of Microsoft Canada. “These investments will not only provide Quebec’s private and public sector organizations with more capacity and added resiliency to transform operations but will also enable a trusted and secure foundation to scale solutions faster to market and compete globally, securing Quebec’s future in the digital economy.”
AI and cybersecurity skilling initiatives
Microsoft is also keen on advancing AI development by fostering the next generation of innovators in the space. To this end, the company is collaborating with industry leaders in Quebec on a series of programs to offer learning resources, certifications, and job-seeking tools for the emerging digital economy.
KPMG Canada and Microsoft Canada have since launched their Operational Risk Skills Development Centre, which will provide French-first training for businesses and governments to enhance cybersecurity protection, as well as leverage opportunities within generative AI. The companies estimate the centre will train more than 11,000 learners in its first iteration.
The news coincides with KPMG’s most recent CEO Outlook report, which found that 93 per cent of Canadian CEOs see generative AI as a cybersecurity risk, while only 56 per cent feel well-equipped to maneuver a cyberattack.
Microsoft is also furthering its collaboration with NPower Canada by expanding their Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator in Quebec. Additions include new digital training and career development opportunities, including an intermediate Junior Data Analyst program, to give Quebec’s diverse job-seekers a competitive edge in the digital age.
Microsoft is a global leader in software, services and solutions.
Microsoft stock (NDAQ:MSFT) last traded at US$373.07 per share. The stock is up by 52.25 per cent year-over-year and by 261.96 per cent since 2018.
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