Canadian Government Executive Radio

Hosted by Canadian Government Executive

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165

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Apr 2026

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About the show

This is Canadian Government Executive Radio, the official podcast of Canada's oldest and most respected news resource for the public sectors federally, provincially, and municipally.

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60 recent

April 29, 202624 min

Digital Sovereignty: Why Control, Continuity, and Lawful Authority Matter for Canada's Data Future

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

September 3, 202533 min

Canada's Trusted Line: Protecting Communications as We Rebuild, Rearm, and Reinvest

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.

April 7, 202517 min

CGE Radio: Digital Trust Starts with Modern and Accessible Government Infrastructure

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.

March 27, 2025Episode 1612 min

CGE Weekly - The election call, the future and the need for leadership

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.

March 21, 202520 min

Fortifying Canada's Future: Ensuring Sovereignty in an Era of Uncertainty

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!

March 12, 2025Episode 158 min

CGE Weekly - Mark Carney's Leadership Victory & Canada's Political Future

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.

February 12, 2025Episode 1426 min

CGE Weekly: Trump Tariffs Trouble

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.

November 21, 2024Episode 1514 min

A Close Election, Trump's Victory, and its Impact on Canada

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.

November 21, 2024Episode 1418 min

Navigating Elections, Policy, and Governance Challenges

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!

October 10, 2024Episode 136 min

CGE Weekly: Welcoming David McLaughlin, New Executive Editor of CGE Media

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!