Canada & UK sign new MOU on AI, quantum, digital partnerships
Canada and the United Kingdom have signed a new memorandum of understanding on digital government and the digital economy.
The memorandum sets a framework for joint work on digital public services and shared data infrastructure. It follows commitments made earlier this year by the Canadian and UK prime ministers on digital public infrastructure, AI safety, and secure communications.
The agreement was signed in Montréal 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 sidelines of the G7 Industry, Digital and Technology Ministers' meeting.
Officials described the pact as part of a broader drive by both governments to align approaches to digital regulation and public-sector technology. The memorandum covers cooperation on digital government services and the broader digital economy.
Quantum communications push
The two ministers also reaffirmed a shared focus on secure transatlantic communications based on quantum technologies. The governments want national systems in both countries to interconnect across the Atlantic.
Canada has linked this work with its National Quantum Strategy. As part of that strategy, the Canadian Space Agency has issued a call for expressions of interest for projects on in-orbit quantum communications demonstrations.
The agency is inviting eligible respondents to submit proposals. The projects will prepare for a future quantum communications mission in space.
Quantum communications use properties of quantum physics for secure data transmission. Governments in several advanced economies see space-based quantum links as a way to secure long-distance networks.
AI safety and public services
The memorandum also builds on growing cooperation between Canada and the UK on AI; both countries have established AI safety institutes focused on research into advanced AI systems and their associated risks.
Under the new agreement, Canada and the UK will continue joint work on responsible AI adoption in the public and private sectors. Officials also plan to coordinate on AI safety research through their national institutes.
Canada has positioned itself as an early mover on AI policy. It was the first country to introduce a national AI strategy.
Since 2016, the Canadian government has announced more than CAD $4.4 billion for AI and digital research infrastructure. The funding covers AI compute infrastructure, AI adoption programmes and the launch of the Canadian AI Safety Institute.
Canada has also set out measures for the responsible development and use of AI. These measures include the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy and a Voluntary Code of Conduct on advanced generative AI systems. It has also set up an Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence.
In a separate step, the federal government signed a memorandum of understanding with Cohere in August 2025. That agreement explores ways to deploy AI technologies across the federal public service and expand commercial use of AI.
Digital public infrastructure
The new Canada-UK memorandum focuses on cooperation in digital government. It covers joint work on public-sector digital platforms, data use and secure communications for government services.
Officials from both sides also link the digital agenda with broader economic policy. They see digital transformation in government as part of efforts to improve access to services and support productivity.
Solomon said the agreement underlined Canada's approach to digital modernisation and AI oversight.
"Digital transformation is helping to build a stronger economy and deliver better services for everyone. Canada is committed to working closely with the United Kingdom as we advance our digital strategies, embrace innovation and ensure technology is adopted safely and responsibly-so every Canadian can benefit from the opportunities of a modern, connected economy," said Solomon.
