Microsoft announces $500m investment in Quebec’s digital infrastructure

Microsoft announced a significant expansion of its digital infrastructure in Quebec, committing USD$500 million over the next two years. This investment will increase Microsoft‘s local cloud infrastructure footprint in Canada by a staggering 750 percent. The announcement aligns with the company’s initiatives in AI and cybersecurity skilling, aimed at reinforcing Quebec’s robust innovation economy, spurring high-value job creation, and preparing the province for the evolving AI economy.

Boosting Quebec’s Economic Growth Through Technology

According to a report from Ernst & Young LLP (EY), Microsoft and its ecosystem, which includes over 3,200 partners and substantial cloud infrastructure accounts in Quebec, support over 57,000 jobs and contribute more than $6.4 billion annually to the province’s GDP. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, emphasized Quebec’s leadership in global AI innovation and the government’s commitment to supporting resources and infrastructure for AI commercialization.

Quebec’s Tech Economy Boosted by Microsoft’s Half-Billion Dollar AI Investment

Microsoft’s Commitment to Quebec’s Digital Future

Chris Barry, President of Microsoft Canada, highlighted the investment as a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to Quebec. He stressed that these investments would provide Quebec’s organizations with more capacity and resiliency to transform operations. Furthermore, it will enable a secure foundation to scale solutions faster to the market, securing Quebec’s place in the digital economy.

Enhancing Quebec’s AI and Cybersecurity Capabilities

The investment will significantly expand Microsoft’s computing capacity in Quebec by about 240 percent over the next three years. Carl Viel, President and CEO of Québec International, praised the investment for its economic impact and for securing Quebec’s position in critical areas like cybersecurity and AI. In addition, Microsoft’s future datacentre locations in Quebec are planned to align with the company’s sustainability goals, including using renewable energy and low-carbon materials.

Skilling Initiatives for the AI Era

In parallel, Microsoft is collaborating with industry leaders in Quebec on a series of initiatives to build skills and capabilities in the digital economy. These programs are designed to futureproof Quebec’s digital economy and create new opportunities across the province. KPMG Canada and Microsoft Canada have launched the Operational Risk Skills Development Centre, which will offer French-first training in cybersecurity and GenAI, aiming to train over 11,000 learners. Additionally, NPower Canada, in collaboration with Microsoft Canada, is expanding its Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator in Quebec, focusing on digital training and career development.