Canada CSE (Communications Security Establishment) Quantum Strategy

Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security are leading the nation’s transition to post-quantum cryptography, warning that quantum computers could break current encryption by the 2030s. CSE’s roadmap (ITSM.40.001) outlines three migration phases: Phase 1 (2025–2026) for inventory and procurement, Phase 2 (2027–2030) for initial high-priority transitions, and Phase 3 (2031–2035) for full PQC implementation. These efforts align with Canada’s National Quantum Strategy, which advances both quantum communication and PQC initiatives.

The QEYSSat mission, launching in 2025–2026, will demonstrate space-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Canada has been a global PQC pioneer—its researchers co-authored two of the four NIST-selected PQC algorithms and initiated the Open Quantum Safe project. The Treasury Board Secretariat targets standardized PQC across all federal systems by 2035, with adoption of NIST’s CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium confirmed for 2025.

Canada manages extensive citizen data across federal systems including healthcare, taxation, immigration, and defense. As a member of the Five Eyes alliance, it also shares sensitive intelligence that demands quantum-secure communication channels. The nation’s financial sector—spanning banking and insurance—processes billions in daily transactions, all potentially vulnerable to future quantum decryption.

Recognizing this risk, Canada’s National Cyber Security Action Plan designates quantum threats as a critical priority. Its early adoption of post-quantum cryptography not only strengthens national resilience but also gives Canadian firms like evolutionQ a competitive edge in the rapidly growing $4B+ global quantum security market.

Government of Canada achieves quantum security for 1M+ federal employees and 38M citizens' data by 2035. QEYSSat demonstration enables Arctic and remote community secure communications where fiber is impractical.

Canadian quantum security companies gain global competitive advantage. Five Eyes intelligence sharing remains quantum-secure. Critical infrastructure (electricity, water, transport) protected from quantum threats. Canadian financial sector maintains trust and prevents quantum-enabled fraud.