A big international cybersecurity player is growing its presence in downtown Calgary.
On Friday, Fortinet revealed it was setting up a new datacentre in the southern Alberta city, and plans to hire around 85 permanent and 80 temporary employees in addition to the 50 positions they already have in the province.
With support from the Alberta government’s Innovation and Growth Fund, the company’s expansion will involve a training center for its cybersecurity training and a “center of excellence” focused on keeping critical infrastructure and operational technologies safe.
“The initiative is not only another milestone for Fortinet in Calgary but a testament to Alberta’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the field of cybersecurity in Canada and beyond,” Joyce Chow, Fortinet’s vice-president of talent, said.
Chow said Fortinet’s expansion will require hiring roles like data center analysts, IT analysts, network security professionals, and system admins, as well as technical sales.
“By strengthening our presence in Alberta, a province known for its innovative spirit, we emphasize our dedication to contributing positively to the local economy and tech ecosystem, as well as helping to close the talent gap in IT, supporting women in STEM, and ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of global cybersecurity initiatives,” she said.
Alberta wasn’t the only province competing to attract Fortinet’s investment. Invest Alberta CEO Rick Christiaanse said his organization, Calgary Economic Development, as well as ministers Nate Glubish and Matt Jones collaborated on a “tight timeline” to help secure the company’s commitment.
“We’re really proud of the fact that we were able to win this challenging project and move forward as a group and continue to build the ecosystem here in Calgary and the rest of Alberta,” Christiaanse said.
“Technology is part of our DNA. It always has been, always will be, and we are committed to continuing to grow this sector as fast as we can with great companies like Fortinet.”
Chow said the $3 million from the Innovation and Growth Fund “definitely” helped with the company’s decision.
Jones, the minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, said the new, $30-million green facility in downtown Calgary aligns with the province’s commitments to revitalize downtown centers in the province.
“Bringing in this cutting edge facility will help to ensure downtown Calgary remains vibrant, diverse, and a safe place for businesses and community members to succeed for years to come,” Jones said.
Chow said one challenge the cybersecurity industry has is a skills gap, and Fortinet has rolled out training programs for K to 12 schools as well as a postgraduate program. For the past two decades, Fortinet has also been working with post-secondary institutions like SAIT and NAIT.
The Fortinet VP also said the company would like to see more women in cybersecurity.
Glubish, the minister of Technology and Innovation, was bullish on the future of that part of the tech sector, especially in this province.
“Right now is the best time to work in the technology industry in Alberta. We have a record number of companies that are growing and raising more money than ever before. For the first time, we have nearly twelve companies that are close to reaching the billion-dollar unicorn status,” Glubish said.
“This is a thrilling period to be involved in the technology industry in Alberta.”
