Why Canadian Businesses Need Sovereign AI to Compete

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore Sovereign AI, data governance, and open source infrastructure, and why Canadian businesses must reclaim control of their data to stay secure and competitive.Our guests are Brock Rowlands, CEO, and John Galbraith, VP of R and D at Evormore. With decades of expertise in AI enabled product development, manufacturing, and resilient systems, they help Canadian SMBs turn operational data into a strategic, future ready asset.Key HighlightsWhy Sovereign AI Matters: Brock explains how keeping data within Canadian infrastructure strengthens security, autonomy, and competitiveness. Build vs Buy in AI: John breaks down how open source tools empower companies to build custom solutions and reduce reliance on fragmented SaaS. AI as a Core Capability: Why hiring AI talent signals a shift from buying software to developing internal intelligence and long term advantage. Human Centered Adoption: How Evormore’s consulting and change management practices help legacy teams integrate AI with confidence. A Canadian AI Future: Brock shares the vision for a sovereign ChatGPT alternative and how businesses can join the ten dollar per month beta.Special Thanks to Our Partners:UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.