On June 9, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new plan to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces, outlining the government’s strategic vision to modernize defence, strengthen sovereignty, and prepare Canada for the technologies shaping global security.
As part of this plan, the government is establishing BOREALIS — the Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science — to drive innovation across critical technologies, including quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and next-generation cybersecurity.
Quantum Industry Canada (QIC) welcomes this strong signal that quantum technologies are now seen as essential infrastructure for Canada’s national security, defence readiness, and long-term economic resilience.
Our CEO, Lisa Lambert, has issued the following statement in response:
“BOREALIS is a clear signal that Canada intends to lead in the technologies that will define the next era of security and strategic capability.
Quantum is not next — it’s now. It’s a transformative platform already reshaping defence, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure. Canada is globally recognized as a pioneer in quantum, with groundbreaking research and trailblazing companies delivering real capabilities. Few countries can match the depth of talent and innovation Canada has built in this space. We have strengths across the full spectrum of quantum — including computing, sensing, communications and networking, and the key enabling technologies that make these systems possible.
Canada is also home to the highest number of quantum SMEs per capita in the world — a testament to the strength of our innovation ecosystem and its commercial potential. Major hubs in Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia anchor this effort, with emerging strengths expanding from coast to coast to coast — making this a truly pan-Canadian opportunity.
Leadership in quantum technologies today depends on speed and scale. We need to move fast, act boldly, and align federal investments with clear priorities and coordinated outcomes. Canada must ensure it is both quantum-ready and quantum-enabled — with the infrastructure, talent, and industry capacity to deploy these technologies where they matter most. BOREALIS can play a critical role in making that happen — but only if it’s built to deliver in a way that is globally competitive.
Canada’s quantum industry is ready to help. We look forward to working with government to translate this momentum into real-world advantage.”
— Lisa Lambert
CEO, Quantum Industry Canada (QIC)
