Canada must ‘be vigilant’ of foreign actors targeting technology: minister

Canada is bolstering its defense capabilities by investing $20.3 million in a new quantum technology hub at the University of Calgary. Defence Minister David McGuinty announced the initiative on Thursday, emphasizing its role in accelerating the development of next-generation military technology.

The Defence Innovation Secure Hub will unite academics, industry partners, and the Canadian Armed Forces. McGuinty stated that nations leading in quantum technology will significantly shape future military power. This strategic investment underscores Canada's commitment to staying at the forefront of defense innovation.

However, McGuinty also issued a stark warning about foreign threats. He urged vigilance against foreign actors targeting Canada's technology, specifically mentioning artificial intelligence and intellectual property as vulnerable areas. The minister recalled past incidents of intellectual property loss, referencing the downfall of Canadian telecom giant Nortel, which was reportedly compromised by Chinese espionage and hacking.

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Countries that lead in quantum will help shape the next generation of military capability.

"Countries that lead in quantum will help shape the next generation of military capability," McGuinty said. He added, "We're going to have to be vigilant. We have experience with this issue of the loss of intellectual property over time, for example, of Nortel previously."

The government is enhancing safeguards to protect its technological assets. McGuinty assured that security and intelligence organizations are actively monitoring such activities. The new hub is seen as a crucial step in both advancing Canada's defense technology and safeguarding it from external interference.

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We're going to have to be vigilant. We have experience with this issue of the loss of intellectual property over time, for example, of Nortel previously.