Canada CSE (Communications Security Establishment) Quantum Strategy

What

Canada's Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and Canadian Centre for Cyber Security lead Canada's transition to post-quantum cryptography, assessing quantum computers could break cryptographic standards as early as 2030s. CSE published comprehensive PQC migration roadmap (ITSM.40.001) for Government of Canada with three phases: Phase 1 (2025-2026): Cryptographic inventory, awareness, procurement requirements. Phase 2 (2027-2030): Begin system transitions, high-priority migrations. Phase 3 (2031-2035): Complete PQC migration. Canada's National Quantum Strategy includes quantum communication and PQC initiatives. QEYSSat (Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite) launching 2025-26 will demonstrate space-based QKD. Canada pioneered PQC research - Canadian researchers co-authored 2 of 4 NIST-selected PQC schemes and founded the Open Quantum Safe project. Treasury Board Secretariat mandates standardized PQC across federal systems by 2035, with NIST algorithms (CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium) adoption confirmed 2025.

Why

Canada holds vast citizen data across federal systems - healthcare, taxation, immigration, defense. As Five Eyes member, Canada shares intelligence requiring quantum-secure channels. Canadian financial sector (banking, insurance) processes billions in daily transactions vulnerable to quantum decryption. Canada's National Cyber Security Action Plan identifies quantum threats as critical risk. Early PQC leadership positions Canadian companies (evolutionQ, others) competitively in $4B+ quantum security market.

Impact

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.

Use Cases

Federal government secure communications and classified information protection, healthcare systems and patient data (provincial health records), Canadian banking and financial transaction security, defense and military communications (Canadian Armed Forces), Arctic and remote community quantum-safe satellite links, critical infrastructure control systems, Five Eyes intelligence sharing quantum security

Links

https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/guidance/roadmap-migration-post-quantum-cryptography-government-canada-itsm40001 | https://www.cse-cst.gc.ca/ | https://www.qnulabs.com/

Tags

Canada CSE, Communications Security Establishment, Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, CSE quantum strategy, QEYSSat, Canada quantum satellite, ITSM.40.001, Canadian PQC roadmap, Open Quantum Safe, Five Eyes quantum security, Treasury Board Canada PQC, 2035 Canada quantum deadline