Canada Quantum Technology

Canada’s investments in quantum sciences over the years has made it a global leader in the field, with a growing ecosystem of world-class quantum centers across the country. Driven by the National Quantum Strategy (NQS) and an initial seven-year USD$360 million investment from the Canadian government, the quantum sector is projected to become a $139 billion industry in Canada with more than 200,000 jobs and $42 billion in returns by 2045. This makes Canada’s quantum landscape an attractive market for U.S. companies looking to expand, collaborate, or invest.

Beyond plans in the NQS, in March 2026, the Government of Canada announced a $900 million investment allocated as part of Canada’s Defense Industrial Strategy to boost quantum technology, focusing on dual-use quantum computing, sensing and communication.  Concurrently, an investment of up to $92 million was announced to launch Phase 1 of the Canadian Quantum Champions Program (CQCP). The CQCP anchors quantum companies and talent in Canada to advance fault-tolerant, industrial-scale quantum computers while locking the intellectual property within North America.

Commercial opportunities in quantum also receive significant provincial support and subsidies. The Ontario government invested in the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Perimeter Institute in 2021 to position the city of Waterloo as a global center for development and commercialization of quantum tech. In western Canada, British Columbia established the Quantum Algorithms Institute and Alberta created a Quantum City hub at the University of Calgary. Meanwhile, the Government of Quebec invested nearly $200 million in quantum projects from 2019 to 2026, including $131 million to create a Sherbrooke Quantum Innovation Zone.

For U.S companies looking to enter the Canadian market, awareness of the evolving regulatory environment is vital. Under the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA), Canada implemented an Export Control List (ECL) to prohibit export or transfer of advanced quantum tech without an explicit permit to all international destinations except the United States. Additionally, the Canadian government subjects non-Canadian investment in quantum tech to national security reviews. These regulations act as a shield rather than a barrier, and by treating the United States. as an exempt destination for quantum tech transfers, Canadian regulations establish a secure, ring-fenced bilateral environment.

For more information about Canada’s quantum industry, and how the U.S. Commercial Service in Canada can assists U.S. companies with expertise in quantum, please contact: Commercial Specialist Tracey.Ford@trade.gov