Énoncé de candidature
Hello,
I am a Senior Engineering Manager with over 15 years of leadership in internet technologies, combining technical depth with collaborative experience that aligns with CIRA’s mission to strengthen Canada’s digital infrastructure.
My career spans architecting scalable systems serving millions of users, leading enterprise teams delivering solutions for Fortune 500 clients, and standardizing best practices through cross-functional Architecture Committees. I’ve consistently built high-performing teams with zero attrition over three years, delivered complex solutions on time and with high quality, and launched enterprise healthcare platforms that balance innovation with security and compliance.
Beyond corporate leadership, I’ve worked as a consultant and entrepreneur, supporting organizations from startups to established businesses. This breadth of experience gives me a practical perspective on how domain and internet infrastructure decisions affect Canadian organizations of all sizes.
As an amateur radio operator (VA7WPR) and active member of Canada’s technology community, I understand the importance of reliable, secure, and accessible digital systems. CIRA plays a vital role not only in technical stewardship but in ensuring that .CA remains a trusted public resource. I am committed to contributing my experience in technology leadership, risk awareness, and collaborative decision-making to help CIRA advance its mission in service of all Canadians.
Thank you for your consideration,
Adrian Thompson
From my perspective, CIRA ensures that Canadians have a trusted, distinctly Canadian presence on the internet — one that reflects our values and serves our unique needs. By managing the .CA domain, CIRA provides a foundation for Canadian businesses, communities, and individuals to establish a secure and recognizable digital identity.
Beyond domains, services like the Canadian Shield DNS resolver highlight CIRA’s broader role: protecting Canadians from cyber threats while upholding privacy standards rooted in Canadian values. This focus on balancing accessibility, affordability, and security ensures that digital infrastructure supports both innovation and trust.
CIRA matters because it represents Canadian digital independence in an increasingly interconnected world. It safeguards our ability to shape an internet that works for Canadians — whether that’s rural startups, major enterprises, or individuals looking for a secure digital home.
I want to serve on CIRA’s Board because I believe the internet must remain free, open, and secure — and that Canadians deserve infrastructure that reflects our values. CIRA’s role in protecting digital independence while ensuring accessibility and trust is vital, and I want to contribute to that mission.
As a board member, I would bring a balance of technical insight and collaborative leadership. My background in architecting secure, scalable systems equips me to understand the technical challenges of infrastructure and security at a national level.
Artificial Intelligence — Balancing Innovation and Security
AI offers tremendous potential for improving domain management, threat detection, and user services. At the same time, it introduces new vectors for sophisticated cyberattacks. CIRA will need to embrace AI-driven innovation while ensuring the .CA domain remains resilient. My background in architecting secure, scalable systems positions me to contribute to discussions on how CIRA can responsibly integrate AI while maintaining robust defenses.
Canada’s Digital Sovereignty and Economic Position
As global trade relationships shift, Canada’s digital independence becomes increasingly critical. CIRA’s role in maintaining sovereign internet infrastructure becomes more strategic as economic pressures mount. My experience working with Fortune 500 enterprises and Canadian organizations gives me insight into balancing international connectivity with the protection of Canadian priorities.
Satellite Internet and Rural Connectivity
Emerging satellite networks are transforming how rural Canadians access the internet. This creates opportunities for broader participation but also challenges around security, affordability, and integration with existing infrastructure. Having worked with organizations across Canada, I understand the unique needs of rural and remote communities and would help CIRA ensure that these advances benefit all Canadians equally.