Quantum Technologies Highlighted as Key Focus at Kananaskis G7 Summit

Emerging quantum technologies take center stage at the Kananaskis G7 summit

A sign marks the entrance to Kananaskis Country, Alberta, on Monday, June 2, 2025. The G7 leaders’ meeting is scheduled to take place in Kananaskis from June 15 to 17.

By Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press
Posted June 14, 2025, 07:00 AM
Last Updated June 14, 2025, 07:01 AM

OTTAWA — The Canadian government has identified quantum technologies as a key focus for the upcoming G7 meeting in Kananaskis, marking the first time this emerging technology will be prominently featured at the summit. This initiative aims to highlight Canada’s strengths in this innovative field, which, similar to artificial intelligence, has the potential to revolutionize various industries.

Mark Daley, a professor and chief AI officer at Western University, noted that while artificial intelligence is more developed, quantum technologies represent earlier-stage investments with transformative potential. “They allow us to perform computations significantly faster and with much less energy compared to classical computers,” he explained. “This inclusion is part of our strategy to diversify our technological investment portfolio.”

In preparation for the summit, the Prime Minister’s Office outlined Canada’s priorities for the event scheduled from June 15 to 17. A media release indicated the government intends to “seek agreements and coordinated action” on several topics, including leveraging artificial intelligence and quantum technologies to stimulate economic growth.

The industry has welcomed this focus, with Quantum Industry Canada describing it as a “major milestone” for the sector. Quantum technologies leverage the principles of quantum mechanics for various applications, including computing. According to Michael Murphy, a post-doctoral fellow and incoming director at the Centre for International and Defence Policy at Queen’s University, quantum technologies encompass a range of sensors, communication protocols, hardware, and software. These innovations stem from discoveries in quantum science and are designed to enhance security, efficiency, and accuracy in real-world applications.

Quantum computers, for instance, promise a “rapid increase in processing power,” Murphy stated. Paul Samson, president of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, pointed out that while quantum computing has yet to reach commercialization, several quantum technologies are already in use. These include quantum sensing technologies, such as advanced radar systems, and post-quantum cryptography, which offers cybersecurity solutions to protect data and communications.

Given the military and infrastructure implications, along with the threat of cyberattacks, there is a shared interest among G7 members in ensuring the reliability of cryptographic systems. Florian Martin-Bariteau, research chair in technology and society at the University of Ottawa, emphasized that national security is at risk without significant investments in both quantum computing capabilities and protective measures. “This includes not just government data but also critical systems like banking, telecommunications, and power grids that rely on algorithms vulnerable to quantum attacks,” he noted. “We need to be prepared before quantum computers become mainstream.”

Canada has emerged as a leader in both quantum research and startups, with Samson likening the current situation to where Canada stood with AI about 15 years ago. However, he cautioned that Canada did not scale up sufficiently in AI, resulting in missed commercial opportunities to the United States and other countries. “Canada is now determined to prioritize quantum technologies, as we are well-positioned to do so,” he remarked.

Martin-Bariteau echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the Canadian ecosystem for quantum technology remains domestic, unlike the AI sector, which saw significant acquisitions by U.S. tech giants. Samson’s organization was tasked with compiling recommendations from various think tanks ahead of the G7 meeting. The final suggestions included establishing a G7 contact group to coordinate quantum supply chains and launching an observatory focused on quantum safety.

Martin-Bariteau, who co-authored a brief advocating for the supply chain contact group, warned that the computational power of quantum computers “could undermine all existing encryption algorithms.” He also highlighted ongoing discussions around national security and defense concerning quantum technology, noting that import-export regulations have begun to hinder collaboration and jeopardize partnerships.

While quantum technology has become a new priority, artificial intelligence has been a recurring theme at previous G7 summits. Martin-Bariteau pointed out that during Japan’s presidency, discussions began on generative AI and a code of conduct, followed by Italy’s focus on AI in the public sector the following year.

Daley remarked, “Time is not wasted at multilateral meetings of very busy people.” He added, “This is a clear indication that G7 governments are taking these technologies seriously as significant agents of change in our economies and societies.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 13, 2025.
Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press