New report from Ernst & Young LLP (EY) reveals Microsoft
ecosystem is supporting nearly 300,000 jobs across Canada and contributing $37 billion to Canadas GDP.
TORONTO, May 3, 2022
/CNW/ - Today, Microsoft was joined by Toronto Mayor John
Tory to celebrate the official opening of its new Canadian
headquarters and significant investments the company has made over
the past four years across Canada.
This news also coincides with the launch of new research from EY
about Microsoft's impact on the Canadian economy.
"Microsoft has been deeply rooted in Canada for nearly 40 years and our commitment
to help grow Canada's innovation economy has never
been stronger," said Kevin Peesker,
President of Microsoft Canada. "With the launch of our new
headquarters, official opening of our Data Innovation Centre of
Excellence and expansion of our regional presence, even more
organizations of all sizes and sectors can leverage the power of
cloud and data to accelerate their organization's growth and drive
new economic opportunity for Canada."
Today's announcement is just the latest in Microsoft's
significant investments in Canada's innovation economy. A new Economic
Impact Study released today from EY on behalf of Microsoft found
that Microsoft and its ecosystem, which includes more than 15,000
partners and substantial cloud infrastructure accounts for nearly
300,000 Canadian jobs and contributes more than $37 billion to Canada's GDP. In addition, through the
collaboration with the Digital Technology Supercluster, Microsoft
has supported 30 projects that are currently valued at $190 million, boosting innovation and industry
growth across Canada.
Microsoft also continues to innovate and initiate new programs
to help prepare the Canadian workforce for the changing digital
economy. Since the launch of Microsoft's Global Skills Initiative,
Microsoft Canada has provided in-demand technology skilling to more
than one million Canadians and in 2021, donated more than
$125 million in cash, software, and
technology services to non-profits.
Fueling Innovation in the heart of
Canada's tech ecosystem
Microsoft chose Toronto for its new Canadian
Headquarters because of its strong technology ecosystem, depth
of multicultural talent and network of globally recognized
universities. The 132,000 square foot state-of-the-art office,
located at 81 Bay Street (CIBC SQUARE), was designed to both engage
with the community and support Microsoft's inclusive hybrid
culture, incorporating a Team Based Space design that pairs the
latest technology with modern and collaborative workplaces to
empower employees from coast-to-coast.
The headquarters was selected to host an Envisioning Centre and
Microsoft's first-of-its-kind Data Innovation Centre of Excellence
(DICE), enabling Microsoft's experts to co-innovate with customers
and partners on cutting edge data, AI and mixed reality
technology solutions. With substantial collaboration spaces
throughout the building, the HQ will play a vital role as an
innovation hub for leading technology startups, students, and
community organizations from across the GTA and Canada.
Microsoft's Growth in Canada
Microsoft first opened its doors in 1985 and has continued to
expand its footprint and presence. In the past three years,
Microsoft has more than doubled its Canadian workforce and
currently employs nearly 5,000 full-time employees across the
country. Microsoft Canada continues to serve commercial and public
sector customers of all sizes from consumers to the largest of
enterprises spanning every industry sector in the economy.
Today's announcement builds on a number of significant
investments Microsoft has already made in Canada:
- Microsoft recently completed the relocation and expansion of
its research and development lab in Montreal, relocation of its Vancouver sales office and modernization of
its Ottawa, Calgary and Montreal sales offices. Offices are now
outfitted with the latest Microsoft Teams-enabled hardware and
software to facilitate seamless hybrid work for employees.
- To unleash the full potential of data within the public sector,
Microsoft also recently launched the Government Innovation Centre
located in Ottawa. Operating under
the umbrella of the Data Innovation Centre of Excellence (DICE) in
Toronto, the Microsoft Government
Innovation Centre is bridging government customers and partners
with Microsoft expertise to address the technical, architectural
and service delivery challenges that are unique to public sector
leaders.
- Microsoft's footprint in Canada also includes three gaming studios, a
development centre in Vancouver
and significant cloud infrastructure, including two data centre
regions in Toronto and
Quebec City, and Azure
Availability Zones.
- Microsoft also recently announced a long-term renewable energy
power purchase agreement with ATCO Group where Microsoft will
purchase all renewable energy generated by ATCO's Deerfoot solar
facility in Calgary, Alberta.
This partnership is an integral step towards Microsoft delivering
on their renewable energy commitments in Canada.
Additional Resources:
- Microsoft Canada Economic Impact Report
QUOTE BANK
"The official opening of Microsoft's new downtown headquarters
is the next milestone in our city's continued growth as one the
leading technology hubs in North America.We're so pleased to see
this new Microsoft office opening. It will mean more innovation
across Toronto's world class
network of universities, start-ups and incubators – all of which
will help us continue our strong economic recovery from the
pandemic." – John Tory, Mayor of
Toronto
"Microsoft's announcement of a brand new Canadian headquarters
is another example of how the technology sector is fueling economic
growth across the country. As the demand for digitization and new
technology continues to grow across all industries, major companies
like Microsoft continue to choose Canada for the ingenuity of our talent and the
ambition of our innovation agenda." – The Honourable
François-Philippe Champagne,
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
ABOUT MICROSOFT CANADA
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the
Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the
worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help
people and businesses realize their full potential.
Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing,
consulting and local support services in both French and English.
For more information on Microsoft Canada, please
visit www.microsoft.ca.
SOURCE Microsoft Canada Inc.