-- In a recent interview with Xraised, Sylvie Leduc, Founder and President of Sylvie Leduc Consulting Services, shares her expert insights into Canada’s shifting tech landscape and the country’s role in the global conversation around AI, digital sovereignty, and governance. With over 25 years of experience in project management and business intelligence, Leduc explores the opportunities and challenges Canada faces as it navigates an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
From the evolving tech sector in Canada to global regulatory shifts, Leduc outlines why the current moment is so critical for understanding the future of AI and the responsibility of nations to safeguard their digital sovereignty.
You can watch the full interview here.
The Urgency of Today’s Conversations on AI and Digital Sovereignty
Leduc begins the conversation by reflecting on how the landscape has shifted since their last discussion just five months ago. She highlights the increasing urgency of discussions surrounding digital competencies, AI governance, and sovereignty—critical elements that are not just economically important, but foundational to ensuring national resilience in a rapidly evolving tech ecosystem.
She points to Prime Minister Carney’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, which emphasized the growing structural changes within the tech sector. Leduc believes that this signals the start of a new phase for Canada’s tech industry—one where traditional models of growth are giving way to more comprehensive, collaborative yet still well-structured approaches to digital transformation. She also refers to Henry Mintzberg’s research, noting that, much like addressing climate change, democracies need to regularly rally, share, and discuss technological infrastructure and architecture, particularly with the advent of AI, to ensure a balanced and sustainable future.
Structural Shifts in the Tech Sector
Leduc focuses on the tech sector’s ongoing structural shifts, particularly in the realms of AI governance and digital competencies. She draws attention to the major legislative steps being taken globally, including the EU AI Act and Canada’s own progress toward AI regulation. While these legislative advancements are crucial, Leduc argues that institutions and leaders are still underestimating the human and behavioural dimensions of this transformation and their evolutive impacts on legislation. She stresses that our governments and business leaders need to be much more 'Agile', not only on paper but in their actions as well. All three sectors of democratic societies—public, private, and plural (civil society)—need to be sitting at the table to create a truly collaborative approach.
She underscores the importance of fostering digital literacy and addressing the behavioural impacts of AI adoption on individuals and organizations. Leduc highlights the need for holistic education systems, media ecosystems, and policies that not only focus on the technical aspects of AI but also its societal impact—particularly on vulnerable groups like children, underserved communities, and our indigenous communities, who are already lagging behind in the tech sector in Canada.
The Human Dimension of AI
As AI technology continues to scale, Leduc sees an increasing risk associated with the growing influence of platforms, influencers, and what she refers to as the “Magnificent Seven”—the tech giants that dominate the AI landscape. From Big Tech like Google and Amazon to newer players like Nvidia and Tesla, these companies control vast amounts of data and influence over global markets.
Leduc stresses that as these platforms grow, the need for accountability becomes more critical. She warns that scale can quickly turn into risk if unchecked, particularly in a digital economy driven by AI. For societies to keep pace with these changes, they must rethink how they approach accountability and ethical considerations in AI systems, ensuring that the benefits of innovation are distributed equitably. We have just witnessed this with the horrific tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in early February, where OpenAI had closed the alleged killer’s account yet didn’t report any worrisome content to the authorities. Where’s the equity here? Even more so for those who aspire to use AI accurately and properly.
Canada’s Role in Protecting Digital Sovereignty
Looking ahead to 2026, Leduc turns her attention to the choices Canada must make to protect its digital sovereignty while maintaining its global competitiveness. She notes that, in the context of global trade pressures, upcoming U.S. midterm elections, and significant geopolitical challenges, Canada must act decisively to secure its digital future.
Leduc believes that Canada’s approach must balance economic relevance with digital independence, particularly as it seeks to protect its AI and tech ecosystems from external influences. This is a critical moment for Canadian policymakers to ensure that their regulations and digital strategies are in line with both domestic interests and the broader global shifts underway.
She emphasizes that Canada's leadership in AI governance and digital sovereignty will determine its future in the global tech race. Leduc stresses the importance of aligning business and regulatory frameworks to empower Canada’s tech sector without compromising its values or its role in the global marketplace.
The Intersection of AI, Digital Sovereignty, and Social Impact
Leduc also addresses the broader societal implications of AI adoption, particularly the impacts on health, education, and children’s development. She points to a troubling recent report in Québec highlighting the challenges the education system faces as it grapples with AI integration. With AI’s influence rapidly expanding, Leduc suggests that the conversation must move beyond technology to consider its human impact.
She advocates for policies that empower citizens and institutions to responsibly navigate the digital transformation. This includes addressing the potential mental health impacts of AI’s growing presence in daily life and promoting an ethical framework that balances innovation with human well-being.
About Sylvie Leduc
Sylvie Leduc is the Founder and President of Sylvie Leduc Consulting Services, a firm focused on business intelligence, project management, and digital transformation. With over 25 years of experience in IS/IT project management, Leduc has led several high-impact projects in both the public and private sectors. She is a recognized expert in AI governance, digital competencies, and the societal impacts of emerging technologies. Through her work, Leduc advocates for policies and frameworks that prioritize human and behavioural considerations in AI adoption, ensuring a balanced and equitable approach to technological advancements.
About Sylvie Leduc Consulting Services
Sylvie Leduc Consulting Services specializes in business intelligence solutions and project management for the overhaul of defined benefit pension funds, focusing on public, parapublic, and private sectors in Canada. Leduc’s firm works to address technological inefficiencies and introduce AI-driven solutions that improve the sustainability and accessibility of pension plans, finetune privacy requirements in non-structured data, perform cybersecurity audits and assessments, amongst others. The company also offers consulting services for businesses looking to adapt to the changing landscape of digital transformation, with a focus on AI governance and digital sovereignty.
For more insights and interesting conversations, visit Xraised (www.xraised.com).
Media contact: Sylvie Leduc – sylvie.t.leduc@gmail.com
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