On October 11, 2024, the International Council of Quantum Industry Associations (ICQIA) submitted a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, urging the prioritization of quantum technologies during Canada’s G7 Presidency in 2025 which coincides with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
This letter, signed by leaders of the four founding ICQIA consortiums (QIC, QED-C, Q-STAR, and QuIC), represents stakeholders across the G7 nations, the European Union, and beyond. It highlights the unique opportunity for Canada to drive global dialogue and action in this critical sector, underscoring the potential of quantum technologies to address key economic, security, and societal challenges facing G7 nations and the world at large.
We are pleased to share the full text of this letter, demonstrating the quantum industry’s united vision for the transformative power of quantum technologies for Canada and the global community.
October 11, 2024
The Right Honourable Justin P. J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
Langevin Block
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A3
Re. Prioritizing quantum technologies during Canada’s G7 Presidency
Dear Prime Minister,
As the Executive Committee of the International Council of Quantum Industry Associations (ICQIA), we write to you regarding Canada’s upcoming G7 Presidency in 2025. We believe the 2025 Presidency presents a unique opportunity for Canada to once again demonstrate global leadership, this time by prioritizing quantum technologies. This aligns with Canada’s consistent history of driving critical global initiatives through G7 leadership.
In 2023, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development launched Canada’s National Quantum Strategy, affirming the nation’s commitment to this transformative field. Canada’s pioneering role in quantum research and commercialization is well-established, and we’ve observed with great interest how other G7 nations and security alliances such as NATO and AUKUS are rapidly accelerating their focus and investment in quantum technologies, deeming them essential to both economic prosperity and national security.
The year 2025 holds particular significance for the quantum sector. The United Nations has declared it the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, providing a global platform to highlight the importance and potential of these frontier technologies. Furthermore, Canada will be hosting QUANTUM NOW / ICI QUANTIQUE in Montreal on June 18-19, 2025, the country’s inaugural industry-led quantum technology forum. This event is expected to draw international attention and participation, and could serve as an ideal venue for additional G7-related meetings, facilitating focused discussions among G7 members and global quantum industry leaders.
By championing quantum technologies during its G7 Presidency, Canada can serve as a powerful catalyst for global action to:
- Enhance cooperation among G7 nations to position them at the forefront of technological transformation in this critical sector;
- Harness quantum solutions to address key global challenges, including energy-efficient AI systems and the advancement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Strengthen resilient quantum supply chains and foster inclusive talent pipelines across G7 nations, laying the foundation for enduring quantum capabilities; and
- Leverage quantum technologies to bolster economic growth and address critical national security challenges, reinforcing the G7’s global influence.
As ICQIA, representing nearly 600 stakeholders across the international quantum innovation ecosystem, including all G7 nations and the European Union, we are uniquely positioned to support this initiative. Our international membership offers unparalleled industry insights and facilitates global quantum cooperation among allied nations, ensuring that the perspectives and interests of all G7 members are represented in this critical technological domain.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal further and to offer our expertise and support in developing quantum-focused initiatives for the G7 agenda.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your response and to potentially collaborating on this important opportunity for Canada’s global leadership and technological innovation.
Sincerely,
The ICQIA Executive Committee:
Lisa Lambert
Chief Executive Officer
Quantum Industry Canada (QIC)
Celia Merzbacher
Executive Director
Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C)
Taro Shimada
Chair of the Board
Quantum STrategy Industry Alliance for Revolution (Q-STAR)
Thierry Botter
Executive Director
European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC)
Cc:
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
The Honourable Bill Blair, P.C., C.O.M., M.P.
Minister of National Defence
The Honourable Mary Ng, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development