TELUS Opens Canada's First Sovereign AI Factory in Rimouski

TELUS has inaugurated Canada's first fully sovereign AI factory in Rimouski, Quebec, marking a significant advancement in Canada's technological sovereignty by enabling AI development while keeping data securely within national borders. The facility, powered by cutting-edge NVIDIA GPUs and HPE infrastructure, allows businesses, researchers, and innovators to create, fine-tune, and deploy AI models with data residency under Canadian control, supported by 99% renewable energy primarily from hydroelectric sources. TELUS has secured partnerships with leading organizations such as League, Accenture, and OpenText, which will utilize the facility to enhance AI-driven healthcare, public service, and financial solutions while safeguarding sensitive data. CEO Darren Entwistle emphasized the importance of Canadian ownership and control over AI infrastructure to protect data sovereignty and boost economic competitiveness. Plans are underway to expand this AI factory model to other locations, including Kamloops, British Columbia, as demand grows. The launch was highlighted by government participation, reflecting the broader national commitment to fostering AI innovation and sovereignty.