In Canada, as well as around the world, governments, academia and private companies have been working hard for years to develop quantum technologies. These technologies could present incredible opportunities, but also major risks. For instance, when fully developed, which experts say will be in 10 to 20 years, quantum computers could, on the one hand, be used to break current cryptography, putting all online communications at risk, including banking and critical infrastructure systems. On the other hand, they could perform calculations that would take today’s fastest supercomputers billions of years, making it possible to accelerate drug discovery, facilitate supply chain management or solve complex financial problems, for example.

Canada has been a leader in the development of quantum technologies for the past few decades, but faces some challenges in maintaining this position in the longer term. In addition, several countries, including the United States, France and the People's Republic of China have developed aggressive strategies to develop quantum technologies and are competing with Canada to develop the first fault-tolerant universal quantum computer.

The House of Commons Standing on Industry and Technology made 11 recommendations in its report to the Government of Canada. For instance, it recommended that  it ensure that the National Quantum Strategy provides sufficient funding, in a strategic manner, to the various quantum industry stakeholders in Canada; that, as part of the National Quantum Strategy, it develop a coordinated approach to support the development and retention of quantum talent in Canada; and that it ensure that there is cohesion between the various initiatives and between the support offered to researchers and companies in order to build strong quantum ecosystems across the country. To protect different sectors from cyber threats arising from quantum technologies the Committee recommended that, in conjunction with stakeholders, it develop as quickly as possible a strategy to protect existing encryption systems at various levels.