Extrapolating to AI: if we want Canada to have a stronger global position, we need stronger, enforceable rules about where data sits. Commercial negotiation, as Melissa noted, only works when you have the stronger hand. The most effective way to achieve that is when you can tell your counterpart, “This is not my choice – it’s the regulation I’m subject to. You have to build a data centre here.” I don’t usually advocate for more regulation, but when it comes to imposing Canadian requirements on global players, it is the most effective tool available. With the current government focused on competitive positioning, I think there is an opportunity to advocate for this.
