Queen’s Conference Brings National Quantum Leaders and Defence Experts to Kingston

Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Conference will review Canada’s industrial and defence policy

KINGSTON, ON – February 10, 2026 / Amid rising global uncertainty, a deteriorating security environment, and the rapid advancement of quantum technologies, Canada faces growing pressure to assess its strategic positioning in quantum information science and technology. The Centre for International and Defence Policy at Queen’s University hosted a national conference on Canada’s quantum strategy today, bringing together academic, policy, and industry communities.

The conference included briefs from leaders in the National Quantum Secretariat, Department of National Defence, Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, and Quantum Industry Canada, alongside roundtable discussions with policy experts and industry leaders. The conference was supported by funding from the Department of National Defence and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

“At this critical moment in the development of quantum technologies, we must ensure that Canada’s national strategy finds a balance between supporting economic development and acquiring advanced defence capabilities,” said Michael Murphy, Director of the CIDP. “We only have one chance as a country to navigate the emergence of quantum technologies, so it is important to bring a wide range of stakeholders together and discuss what’s working, what isn’t, and where we go next.”

“As the global quantum race accelerates, Canada starts from a position of real strength, with one of the world’s most robust quantum ecosystems,” said Lisa Lambert, CEO of Quantum Industry Canada. “The challenge now is ensuring our national quantum, industrial, and defence policies are aligned and executed with sufficient ambition and urgency to secure long-term economic competitiveness and national security.”

“Canada is going through a period of rapid change in defence policy and growing public support for investment in our security,” said Dr. Stéfanie von Hlatky, Associate Vice-Principal Research, �鶹��վ. “Decisions made in this critical time must be evidence-based and draw on a diverse range of perspectives. This conference is another example of how Queen’s convenes high-impact conversations on major policy issues facing the country.”

The Centre for International and Defence Policy, established in 1975 as the Queen's Centre for International Relations under the directorship of Nils Ørvik, and renamed in 2011, has a mandate to conduct research in matters of national and international security and other aspects of international relations. It supports teaching in the field of security and defence and, through its publications and activities of its members, contributes to public debate on Canadian foreign and defence policy, and on issues of international peace and security.