Canada's $2-billion investment in its Sovereign AI Compute Strategy has sparked concerns about the potential capture of value by American Big Tech companies, rather than benefiting Canadians. The presence of OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, and its "OpenAI for Countries" initiative, has raised questions about the nation's ability to maintain control over its AI future. As state-aligned activity involving OpenAI gains momentum, the threat model shifts from criminal to geopolitical, requiring a different approach1. This development has significant implications for Canada's sovereignty and ability to harness AI for the benefit of its citizens. The Carney administration's investment strategy may ultimately serve as a passthrough to foreign tech giants, rather than driving domestic innovation and growth. So what matters to practitioners is that Canada's AI strategy must prioritize nationalized, public AI to ensure the country can reap the benefits of its investments and maintain control over its digital future.