MICROSOFT DEEPENS INVESTMENT IN CANADA WITH THE OPENING OF NEW HEADQUARTERS AND EXPANSION OF OPERATIONS TO EMPOWER ECONOMIC GROWTH

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. 

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 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.

• Microsoft Canada Economic Impact Report

"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

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.