(S01) (INNO) Securing Canada’s Digital Future: Cybersecurity, Sovereignty, and Scaling Innovation

This panel features Benjamin Bergen, President of the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI), and Jean Le Bouthillier, CEO of Qohash, in a dynamic discussion on why Canada must urgently strengthen its cybersecurity capacity and defend its digital sovereignty. With global instability, rising data breaches, and dependence on foreign platforms threatening our competitiveness, Benjamin will highlight CCI’s work to champion domestic tech solutions—and the critical role of government investment and procurement as tools to scale Canadian companies. Jean will bring the perspective of an entrepreneur building a world-class cybersecurity firm in Canada, sharing Qohash’s successes, challenges, and lessons learned in navigating this demanding landscape. This exchange will spotlight both the policy leadership and entrepreneurial drive needed to ensure Canada builds the talent, tools, and trusted companies required to secure its digital future.