Canada and the United Kingdom have signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen co‑operation on digital government, the digital economy and secure transatlantic communications, with a particular emphasis on quantum technologies and AI safety. The agreement was signed in Montréal on 9 December 2025 by Evan Solomon, Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, and Ian Murray, the UK's Minister of State for Digital Government and Data, on the margins of the G7 Industry, Digital and Technology Ministers’ meeting. [1][2]

According to the original report, the MOU establishes a framework for joint work on digital public services, shared data infrastructure and public‑sector digital platforms, and aims to align regulatory and operational approaches to digital transformation in government. Officials described the pact as part of a broader drive by both governments to integrate digital policy with wider economic objectives, including improving access to services and supporting productivity gains. [1][2]

A prominent strand of the agreement is a push to develop secure transatlantic communications based on quantum technologies, with both governments signalling an intention to interconnect national systems across the Atlantic. The Canadian Space Agency has already issued a call for expressions of interest for in‑orbit quantum communications demonstrations to prepare for future space‑based quantum links, a move presented as complementing Canada’s National Quantum Strategy. Quantum communications are being promoted as a means of securing long‑distance networks by leveraging the properties of quantum physics. [1][2][4]

The MOU builds on an existing web of UK–Canada technology co‑operation. Earlier initiatives have ranged from a 2024 MoU on shared AI compute capacity to joint efforts on semiconductors and biomanufacturing. Industry and government programmes signed since 2023 have targeted quantum science, AI compute, and strengthening semiconductor supply chains, efforts intended to shore up domestic capabilities in everything from high‑performance computing and AI data centres to satellites and defence equipment. Government statements portray the new MOU as complementary to those prior commitments. [5][7][3][4]

AI safety and responsible adoption are central to the partnership. The two countries have established national AI safety institutes and will coordinate research and policy work through those bodies, continuing joint projects on AI safety and responsible public‑sector adoption. Canada, which introduced a national AI strategy and has invested heavily in AI and digital research infrastructure since 2016, is presented in government material as an early mover on AI policy and oversight. The federal government has allocated more than CAD 4.4 billion to related programmes, and has pursued measures such as a Pan‑Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy and a Voluntary Code of Conduct on advanced generative AI systems. [1][2]

The memorandum sits alongside efforts to secure critical technology supply chains and defence‑relevant research collaborations. Recent tripartite and bilateral agreements involving Canada, the UK and allied partners have explicitly linked work on AI, cyber and resilient systems to national security priorities, underscoring a wider strategic logic behind closer digital and quantum co‑operation. Government communiqués frame these initiatives as helping to protect sensitive data, develop talent, and position both countries for leadership in advanced technology sectors. [6][3][4]

While the agreement is cast by officials as a practical step towards interoperability and shared standards, it is framed within a competitive and security‑conscious global environment for advanced technologies. The MOU is non‑binding and focuses on co‑ordination, research collaboration and preparatory projects, such as in‑orbit demonstrations, rather than immediate operational integration. Observers and industry participants will watch for follow‑on commitments and funding that translate the framework into deployable infrastructure. [1][2][3]

Solomon said the agreement underlined Canada's approach to digital modernisation and AI oversight, positioning the country to work closely with partners on the technical and policy work needed to realise secure, interoperable digital public services. The company and government announcements stress research co‑ordination, infrastructure readiness and workforce development as near‑term priorities. [1][2]

📌 Reference Map:

##Reference Map:

  • [1] (ITBrief) - Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 5, Paragraph 7, Paragraph 8
  • [2] (Government of Canada news release) - Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 5, Paragraph 7, Paragraph 8
  • [3] (National Research Council of Canada) - Paragraph 4, Paragraph 6
  • [4] (Government of Canada 2023 MOC) - Paragraph 3, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 6
  • [5] (UK government AI compute MoU) - Paragraph 4
  • [6] (UK/US/Canada defence collaboration) - Paragraph 6

Source: Noah Wire Services