Canada Invests $900 Million in Quantum Technology for Defence Applications

Insider Brief

• Canada’s National Research Council is investing over $900 million through the Defence Industrial Strategy to support development and commercialization of defence and dual-use technologies, including quantum computing, communications, and sensing capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces.
• The quantum technology investment aims to develop capabilities including quantum computing for code-breaking and AI integration, quantum communications for secure key distribution and anti-jamming, and quantum sensors for detecting electric, magnetic, and gravitational fields beyond classical systems.
• The announcement was made by Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty at the University of Waterloo, emphasizing a whole-of-government approach to strengthening Canada’s defence industrial base as a pillar of national security and economic resilience.
• Photo from Pexels by Social Soup Social Media.

PRESS RELEASE — Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced that the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is investing over $900 million, through Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, in a long-term plan to support national prosperity and build a resilient domestic defence economy. Through the strategy, the Government of Canada is accelerating the development of defence and dual-use technologies to meet Canada’s defence needs and build a globally competitive Canadian defence sector.

While at the University of Waterloo today, Minister McGuinty highlighted the direct funding to support the development and commercialization of quantum technologies.

Quantum technology will unlock future capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces and create countless high-paying jobs here in Canada.

• Quantum computing will break codes, integrate with advanced AI and push material sciences further than what can be achieved using classical computers. Quantum computers will reshape the battlespace, putting compute power on the front lines with firepower by, among other things, using uncrewed systems and quantum encryption, simulating molecular interactions and complex systems, and rapidly developing advanced warfighting materials like batteries and warheads.
• Quantum communications will enable covert communications, anti-spoofing, and jamming-resistant and secure key distribution, making it safe to talk across battlefields and continents and through space-enabled communications.
• Quantum sensors can detect traces of electric and magnetic fields, gravitational variations, vibrations, or motions at levels unachieved by classical systems. Simply put, this means seeing the adversary before they see you.

The Government of Canada is pursuing a long-term, whole-of-government approach to strengthening the defence industrial base as a pillar of national security, economic resilience and prosperity.

Quotes

“Canada’s security depends on our ability to innovate at home. Through the Defence Industrial Strategy, we are strengthening our sovereign capabilities and supporting Canadian companies in the development of next-generation aerospace, drone, quantum and biomedical technologies. This investment will help advance defence and dual-use technologies to equip the Canadian Armed Forces with cutting-edge solutions while reinforcing a resilient, globally competitive defence industrial base.”

‒ The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“The world is becoming more complex, and the global economy is rapidly evolving. Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy positions our country to lead in emerging fields—like quantum technologies—strengthening our domestic industrial base and enabling Canadian innovators to shape the future of defence. These investments will accelerate cutting-edge dual-use technologies and deliver world-class capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces, grow Canada’s quantum and defence sectors delivering good jobs for Canadians, and build a more resilient, competitive Canadian economy.”

‒ The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“For over a century, the National Research Council of Canada has advanced research and innovation that strengthen our nation’s defence and security. Building on the depth of our expertise, extensive partnerships with research institutions, and connections to ambitious Canadian businesses, we remain committed to advancing sovereign defence technologies that enhance security, create prosperity and reinforce Canada’s strategic economic position for the future.”

‒ Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council of Canada