Quantum Technologies Highlighted as Key Focus at Kananaskis G7 Summit

Emerging Quantum Technologies Take Center Stage at Kananaskis G7 Summit
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OTTAWA — The Liberal government has prioritized quantum technologies for the G7 meeting in Kananaskis, marking the first time this emerging field will be prominently featured at the summit. This initiative aims to highlight Canada’s strength in a technology that, much like artificial intelligence, has the potential to revolutionize numerous industries.

According to Mark Daley, a professor and chief AI officer at Western University, while artificial intelligence is currently more advanced, quantum technologies represent early-stage investments with transformative potential. “They enable us to compute things significantly faster and with far less energy than traditional computers,” he explained. “By including this topic, we are essentially diversifying our technological portfolio.”

In preparation for the summit, the Prime Minister’s Office outlined Canada’s objectives for the gathering scheduled from June 15 to 17. A media release stated that the government aims to “seek agreements and coordinated action” on various issues, including leveraging artificial intelligence and quantum technologies to foster 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. Michael Murphy, a post-doctoral fellow and incoming director at the Centre for International and Defence Policy at Queen’s University, emphasized that quantum technologies encompass a range of sensors, communications, protocols, hardware, and software. These advancements apply quantum science discoveries to real-world scenarios, enhancing security, efficiency, and accuracy.

Quantum computers are expected to facilitate a “rapid increase in processing power,” according to Murphy. Paul Samson, president of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, noted that while quantum computing is not yet fully commercialized, several quantum technologies, such as new radar forms and post-quantum cryptography, are already available. Given the military and infrastructure implications, along with the risk of cyberattacks from adversaries, there is a shared interest among G7 members in ensuring robust cryptography.

Florian Martin-Bariteau, a research chair in technology and society at the University of Ottawa, warned that national security is at risk without investment in both quantum computing capabilities and protective measures. “This includes not only government information but also critical systems like banking, telecommunications, and power grids, all of which rely on algorithms that quantum computers could potentially compromise,” he stated. There is an urgent need to prepare before quantum computers become available on the market.

Samson mentioned that Canada is at the forefront of quantum research and startups, comparing the current situation to Canada’s position in artificial intelligence about 15 years ago. However, he pointed out that Canada did not scale up sufficiently in AI and lost some commercial opportunities to the U.S. and other nations. “Canada is now focused on making quantum a priority, as we are well-positioned in this field,” he stated.

Martin-Bariteau echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the Canadian quantum ecosystem remains intact, especially since many AI companies were acquired by large U.S. tech firms.

Samson’s organization was tasked with gathering input from various think tanks ahead of the G7 meeting. The final recommendations included establishing a G7 contact group to coordinate quantum supply chains and launching an observatory dedicated to quantum safety. Martin-Bariteau, who co-authored a brief advocating for the supply chain contact group, noted that the computing power of quantum computers could potentially compromise existing encryption algorithms.

“In recent years, there has been extensive discussion around quantum technologies in national security and defense, leading many countries to establish import-export regulations that now hinder collaboration and risk partnerships,” he explained.

While quantum tech is a new focus, artificial intelligence has been on the G7 agenda in previous summits. Martin-Bariteau noted that Japan’s presidency initiated the Hiroshima process, which concentrated on generative AI and a code of conduct, while Italy’s presidency the following year addressed AI in the public sector.

Daley remarked that “time is not wasted at multilateral meetings of very busy people,” highlighting that the attention given to these technologies by G7 leaders signifies their recognition of quantum technologies as significant agents of change in both economies and societies.

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