Advertise on podcast: Canadian Government Executive Radio

In this episode of CGE Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Craig McLellan, Founder & CEO of ThinkOn, one of Canada's leading voices in secure cloud infrastructure, sovereign data protection, and resilient digital systems. As organizations increasingly rely on global cloud platforms, AI tools, and cross-border data services, a critical question emerges: Who truly controls your data? Craig explains why data sovereignty has become a strategic business issue—not just for governments, but for every Canadian organization that depends on digital infrastructure. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in technology innovation and security, Craig breaks down the growing importance of maintaining lawful authority, operational continuity, and strategic independence over data, systems, and digital assets. He also explores the broader concept of digital sovereignty, including how infrastructure, software, networks, storage, algorithms, metadata, tokens, and encryption keys all play a role in protecting national and organizational interests. Listeners will gain practical insights into how businesses can balance innovation with control, leverage cloud technology responsibly, and ask the right questions before handing critical information to vendors or third-party platforms. About the Guest: Craig McLellan is the Founder and CEO of ThinkOn, a Canadian-owned cloud services provider recognized for leadership in sovereign cloud infrastructure and secure data protection. Under his leadership, ThinkOn has been named one of Canada's fastest-growing companies by Deloitte's Technology Fast 50™ and The Globe and Mail's Report on Business, and was recognized by Broadcom as Sovereign Cloud Provider for the Americas. In This Episode, We Explore: What data sovereignty really means for everyday business owners Why Canada's digital independence matters now more than ever The hidden risks of storing data with hyperscalers like AWS and Azure AI sovereignty risks when proprietary data enters third-party models Why metadata, tokens, and encryption keys matter as much as the data itself How to balance sovereignty with the benefits of global cloud infrastructure What to ask vendors before signing SaaS or cloud contracts How different national approaches to digital sovereignty impact global business

In a market crowded with options, understanding which platforms truly safeguard sensitive government communications has never been more critical. In this episode of CGE Radio, J. Richard Jones speaks with Maaz Yasin, Global Head of Government Solutions - Secure Communications, Blackberry, and David Wiseman, Vice President of SecuSUITE, Blackberry, to break through the noise. Listeners will learn: Why "secure messaging" alone doesn't guarantee secure communications The four key ways BlackBerry's platform goes beyond basic encryption to protect data How BlackBerry aligns with Canada's national defense priorities and the renewed focus on defense spending How the platform proactively addresses emerging threats—from AI and deepfakes to quantum computing This conversation clears up brand confusion, establishes technical authority, and simplifies decision-making for government leaders tasked with safeguarding critical information. Whether you're a Chief of Staff, CIO, DG, or procurement professional, this episode provides actionable insight into why BlackBerry is the secure communications solution built for Canada in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode of CGE Radio, J. Richard Jones sits down with EY Canada's Janice Horne, Jen Mossop Scott, and Rohit Boolchandani to explore how digital credentials could play a pivotal role in strengthening Canada's economy and restoring its global competitiveness. With Canada navigating a tense trade dispute with the U.S. and seeking ways to enhance productivity, resiliency, and interprovincial trade, our guests unpack how secure and trustworthy digital identity systems can be a key enabler of growth and unity. We dive into: Why global rankings matter and how Canada can climb back up Lessons from India's Aadhaar system and what Canada could adopt How to get started in a complex digital policy landscape Ensuring citizen trust, privacy, and equity in adoption Tune in for an insightful discussion on how governments can put citizen-centric digital trust at the heart of Canada's economic future.

This week on CGE Radio, we discussed the federal election campaign, the main issues at play, and the challenges and opportunities for the political parties. As well, we delve into the different communication and campaign styles for Liberal leader Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, Donald Trump's tariff war, and more. The countdown to the election on April 28th is going to be action-packed! Please come back to CGE Radio for weekly podcasts devoted to the campaign.

Interview with Graig McLellan, Founder & CEO of ThinkOn, Inc.  In this episode of CGE Radio, J. Richard Jones speaks with Craig McLellan, Founder & CEO of ThinkOn, Inc. Mr. McLellan has been at the forefront of technology innovation and data security in Canada and the U.S. for the past twenty-five years. Under Craig's leadership, ThinkOn continues to grow, both organically and through strategic acquisition, and has been ranked on both the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ and The Globe and Mail's list of Canada's Top Growing Companies. A pioneer in cloud services, ThinkOn was one of the first companies in the world to receive VMware Cloud Verified certification and was recently recognized as the VMware Sovereign Cloud Partner for Canada. Craig currently sits on advisory boards for several industry-leading organizations including Veeam, Hitachi, and VMware, where he helps to guide strategy. Think On, Inc. is a cloud service provider with a global data center footprint offering creative solutions for complex data problems. ThinkOn's channel-only distribution model empowers value-add resellers and service providers across North America, the UK, Europe, and Australia through solutions built on leading technology platforms. In this episode: Data landscape evolution Practical steps for strengthen data security U.S. CLOUD Act impact on Canada. The importance of data sovereignty The role of government policy in data sovereignty And more!

In this episode of CGE Radio, host J. Richard Jones is joined by Lori Turnbull, Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Government Executive Media, to break down Mark Carney's decisive leadership win and what it means for Canada's political landscape. With 85.9% of the vote, Carney has secured the Liberal leadership, but what comes next? Lori discusses the transition of power from Justin Trudeau, the potential timing of a federal election, and the impact of Donald Trump's return on Canada's economic and political strategies. How will Carney's economic expertise shape his leadership? Can he challenge Pierre Poilievre in a divided political climate? And what do recent polling trends mean for the NDP and smaller parties? Tune in for an insightful discussion on Canada's shifting political dynamics and what to watch for in the weeks ahead.

In this episode of CGE Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Lori Turnbull, Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Government Executive Media, and David McLaughlin, Executive Editor, to unpack the latest political and economic turbulence between Canada and the U.S. With Trump's proposed tariffs looming, the discussion delves into the potential economic fallout, Canada's response, and the broader implications for trade and national security. The conversation also explores Canada's internal challenges, from the fentanyl crisis to gang activity, and how these issues intersect with border security. As the country braces for potential political change, our guests weigh in on the possibility of Mark Carney becoming Prime Minister, the likelihood of an early election, and the evolving relationship between Canada and the U.S. Will Canada's leadership rise to the challenge? And how will these unfolding events reshape the nation's economic and political future? Tune in to this timely and thought-provoking discussion.

In this episode of CGE Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Lori Turnbull, Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Government Executive, to unpack the results of the U.S. presidential election. Lori shares her insights on the tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the decisive outcome, and what it might mean for U.S.-Canada relations.  They explore the potential implications of Trump's policy agenda on trade, tariffs, and energy, and how Canada might navigate this new political landscape. Lori also discusses the broader lessons for Canadian politics, including how affordability and public sentiment could shape the next federal election.  Plus, Lori gives a sneak peek at the upcoming edition of CGE Magazine and the exciting agenda for the DX Summit. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with expert analysis and thought-provoking insights!  Tune in now to stay informed on what's ahead for Canada and the U.S. under this evolving political climate.

Join host J. Richard Jones on CGE Radio as he welcomes executive editor David McLaughlin for an insightful discussion on the latest in Canadian politics, public sector trends, and governance. From the looming prospect of a federal election and provincial political shifts to the impact of inflation and economic recovery, this episode delves into the forces shaping Canada's political landscape.  David also shares his review of Professor Donald J. Savoie's compelling book "Speaking Truth to Canadians About Their Public Service." The discussion explores the book's critique of federal public service inefficiencies, accountability challenges, and the need for systemic reform.  Wrapping up, David previews upcoming themes for Canadian Government Executive and highlights preparations for the annual DX Summit, emphasizing innovative solutions and institutional evolution.  Key topics: - Election dynamics and their implications  - Inflation, economic policy, and affordability  - Public service reform and governance challenges  - Emerging themes for government and public sector innovation  Tune in to gain insights into the pressing issues at the heart of Canada's public administration and policymaking!

In this episode of CGE Weekly, J. Richard Jones introduces David McLaughlin, the new executive editor, as they discuss the current political landscape in Canada and the potential challenges ahead for public services. With a federal election looming and possible changes to government leadership, they explore what this means for public servants, policy changes, and key issues such as fiscal management, climate change, and AI implementation. David McLaughlin shares insights into how public servants can prepare for the shifting dynamics, whether it's managing technological innovations like AI or adapting to new political directions. The episode emphasizes that while governments may change, the structural challenges for public services remain constant. The conversation offers a glimpse into the critical topics CGE Weekly will cover in the coming months, helping government executives navigate through these evolving challenges. Tune in now!

Host J. Richard Jones is joined by Lori Turnbull, Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Government Executive, to discuss the major political updates as Parliament reconvenes. In this episode, they delve into the September by-elections, with the Bloc Québécois taking a longtime Liberal stronghold in Montreal and what this means for the Liberals moving forward. Lori also provides insights on the potential end of the Liberal-NDP supply and confidence agreement, as well as the ongoing tensions at the Hill with protests outside Parliament. They discuss the possibility of a non-confidence vote and the complex political dynamics between the parties, as Canada braces for a potential election in the coming months. If you're curious about the current political climate in Canada and the future of Trudeau's government, this episode offers an in-depth analysis.   Tune in now!

Interview with Paul Zikopoulos – Vice President, IBM Skills Vitality and Enablement In our latest episode of CGE Radio, J. Richard Jones speaks with Paul Zikopoulos, Vice President, IBM Skills Vitality and Enablement about artificial intelligence you can trust and deploy at scale in government / public sector. Paul is a renowned writer and speaker on AI and Big Data, consulted by "60 Minutes" and NATO generals. Named on numerous global "Experts to Follow" and "Thought Leader" lists, he has authored 21 books and over 360 articles. At IBM, Paul directs strategic initiatives for the IBM Technology Unit's sales and learning programs. He actively promotes Women in Technology, winning IBM Canada's "Women in Technology Ally of the Year" and serving on several advisory boards. Despite his success, Paul stays grounded, always learning from his experiences and his daughter Chloë. Follow him on Twitter at @BigData_paulz. IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting services provider, helping clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 3,800 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently, and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to their clients. All of this is backed by IBM's legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service. For more information, visit www.ibm.com In this episode: How public sector should organize to prepare for generative AI How Generative AI can help in Canada and abroad The practical use cases that IBM focusses its innovation around How IBMs work with AI differ from others And more!

Join J. Richard Jones on the latest episode of CGE Radio as he welcomes Cate Takemori, Head of Public Sector, Microsoft Canada for a discussion about current AI adoption in the Canadian public sector. As the Public Sector Lead, Catherine "Cate" Takemori leads a team of dedicated professionals focussed on empowering governments, educators and healthcare organizations in Canada with cutting-edge technology and services for effective digital transformation. With over 20 years at Microsoft, Cate began as the first dedicated Healthcare seller in Canadian Public Sector. Her journey encompasses diverse roles in Strategy, Change Management, Business, and Sales across Commercial and Public sectors. Most recently, she led the Customer Success Account team. Cate champions diverse and inclusive teams, prioritizing meaningful relationships and a people-first approach. Passionate about learning and growth, she embraces challenges with a growth mindset. Outside work, Cate resides in Coquitlam, BC, with her husband and two sons, indulging in her love for cooking and reading. Microsoft creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. In this episode: How AI adoption is reshaping government operations? Notable examples of AI implementation in Canadian government agencies The "Bring Your Own AI" (BYOAI) trend Key considerations for responsible AI deployment AI adoption and literacy within the public sector And more!

Join host, J. Richard Jones for a follow-up interview with Jonathan Burbee, Director of Business Development, Canada for Gordian. Gordian is the industry leader in Building IntelligenceTM Solutions that help organizations successfully budget, build and maintain capital-intensive assets. Jon's experience as a public sector executive and leader has primarily focused on real property management and construction. During his 23 years as a construction engineering officer in Canada's Armed Forces he led the facilities functions during international deployments to Kosovo and Afghanistan and domestically at several military bases and in support of the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. The following eleven years as a public servant in the federal and provincial governments were in various roles as a senior portfolio executive. Most recently, he worked in a strategic capacity supporting the provincial government's response to the pandemic and natural disasters through digitally enabled multi-channel public-facing service delivery. Jon is a Designated Real Estate Professional (RI) with the Real Estate Institute of British Columbia and serves on the REIBC Board of Governors. In this episode: The core principles of asset management The intersection with the objectives of capital planning Managing lifecycle assets balance the need for maintenance with the timing of capital replacements Aligning asset management strategies with the broader strategic goals And more!

On the latest episode of CGE Radio J. Richard Jones welcomes Lori Turnbull, Professor at Dalhousie University and Deputy Editor at Canadian Government Executive along with Michael Wernick who holds the Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management at the University of Ottawa, and is also the former Clerk of the Privy Council. He is uniquely suited to comment on the role of the public service during a time of government transition. Canada does transfers of power very well, largely because the permanent public service provides stability while the political government either changes hands or, in the event of a return of the incumbent, recalibrates after an election. In conversation with Lori Turnbull, he delves into this critical issue.