CCA Appoints Expert Panel on Quantum Technologies

The emergence of quantum technologies will impact all sectors of the Canadian economy, presenting significant opportunities but also risks. At the request of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) has formed an Expert Panel to examine the impacts, opportunities, and challenges quantum technologies present for Canadian industry, governments, and Canadians. Raymond Laflamme, O.C., FRSC, Canada Research Chair in Quantum Information and Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo, will serve as Chair of the Expert Panel. 

“Quantum technologies have the potential to transform computing, sensing, communications, healthcare, navigation and many other areas,” said Dr. Laflamme. “But a close examination of the risks and vulnerabilities of these technologies is critical, and I look forward to undertaking this crucial work with the panel.”

As Chair, Dr. Laflamme will lead a multidisciplinary group with expertise in quantum technologies, economics, innovation, ethics, and legal and regulatory frameworks. The Panel will answer the following question:

In light of current trends affecting the evolution of quantum technologies, what opportunities and challenges do these present in Canada?

“I am very pleased that Dr. Laflamme has agreed to chair this expert panel,” said Eric M. Meslin, PhD, FRSC, FCAHS, President and CEO of the CCA. “The panel’s focus on a comprehensive understanding of the many impacts these technologies will have on industry, the economy, and society will surely help make better decisions about future use and deployment of this new technology.”

More information can be found here.
 
The Expert Panel on Quantum Technologies:

• Raymond Laflamme, O.C., FRSC (Chair), Canada Research Chair in Quantum Information; the Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis John von Neumann Chair in Quantum Information; Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo
• Sally Daub, Founder and Managing Partner, Pool Global Partners
• Shohini Ghose, Professor, Physics and Computer Science, Wilfrid Laurier University; NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering
• Paul Gulyas, Senior Innovation Executive, IBM Canada
• Mark W. Johnson, Senior Vice-President, Quantum Technologies and Systems Products, D-Wave Systems
• Elham Kashefi, Professor of Quantum Computing, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh; Directeur de recherche au CNRS, LIP6 Sorbonne Universite
• Mauritz Kop, Fellow and Visiting Scholar, Stanford Law School, Stanford University
• Dominic Martin, Professor, Département d’organisation et de ressources humaines, École des sciences de la gestion, Université du Québec à Montréal
• Darius Ornston, Associate Professor, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
• Barry Sanders, FRSC, Director, Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary
• Eric Santor, Advisor to the Governor, Bank of Canada
• Christian Sarra-Bournet, Quantum Strategy Director and Executive Director, Institut quantique, Université de Sherbrooke
• Stephanie Simmons, Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair in Quantum Nanoelectronics, and CIFAR Quantum Information Science Fellow, Department of Physics, Simon Fraser University
• Jacqueline Walsh, Instructor; Director, initio Technology & Innovation Law Clinic, Dalhousie University