OpenAI Eyes Canadian Expansion to Support Sovereign AI Development
OpenAI Eyes Canadian Expansion to Support Sovereign AI Development
OpenAI is looking to expand its presence in Canada, recognizing the country’s growing role in global AI innovation. While the company doesn’t yet have a Canadian office, it already has deep ties - with Canadian developers actively using its platform and collaborations underway with local partners.
As part of its plans, OpenAI is in discussions with both public and private sector leaders about how it can contribute to Canada’s goal of building sovereign AI - a national effort to strengthen domestic AI capabilities, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks. OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, Chris Lehane, recently met with AI Minister Evan Solomon and other key stakeholders to explore next steps.
Key Areas of Focus
➡️ AI Talent & Infrastructure: Canada’s AI ecosystem - from research institutions to startup hubs - makes it an ideal location for OpenAI’s growth. The company is exploring potential partnerships and even a local office to tap into this world-class talent base.
➡️ Sovereign AI: OpenAI’s interest aligns with Canada’s push for digital and data sovereignty. As global competition over AI resources intensifies, Canada aims to ensure control over its own AI infrastructure and data governance.
➡️ Partnerships & Local Impact: OpenAI already partners with Shopify, the Creative Destruction Lab, and the Vancouver Board of Trade, supporting AI adoption in e-commerce, entrepreneurship, and business innovation. It’s also working with Canadian non-profits and local businesses to make AI more accessible and impactful.
OpenAI’s Goals in Canada
OpenAI wants to play a constructive role in shaping Canada’s AI future. It sees collaboration as key to building a strong, self-sustaining AI ecosystem. The company is particularly focused on Canada’s data centre infrastructure, aiming to secure local capacity - either by building new facilities or partnering with existing ones.
This would help support Canadian developers and organizations with reliable, scalable, and sovereign AI computing resources.
