Canada and the United Kingdom have formalised their collaboration with a new memorandum of understanding, targeting breakthroughs in quantum communications, AI safety, and secure transatlantic digital infrastructure, marking a significant step in their strategic technological partnership.
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
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative reports on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on 9 December 2025 between Canada and the UK to enhance cooperation in digital government, the digital economy, and secure transatlantic communications, with a focus on quantum technologies and AI safety. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is 9 December 2025, indicating high freshness. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. No earlier versions of this narrative appeared more than 7 days prior. The article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from 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. These quotes are consistent with those found in the official press release from the Government of Canada, dated 9 December 2025. No earlier usage of these quotes was found, indicating they are original to this release.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from IT Brief UK, a technology news outlet for CIOs and IT decision-makers. While it is a specialised publication, it is not as widely recognised as major outlets like the Financial Times or Reuters. The Government of Canada press release, dated 9 December 2025, serves as a primary source, enhancing the reliability of the information.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative reports on a recent MOU between Canada and the UK, focusing on digital government, the digital economy, and secure transatlantic communications, with an emphasis on quantum technologies and AI safety. This aligns with recent developments, including the G7 leaders’ joint statements on AI and quantum computing in June 2025. The language and tone are consistent with official government communications. No excessive or off-topic details are present, and the structure is coherent.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, with no evidence of recycled content. It includes original quotes from the official press release, and the source, IT Brief UK, is a specialised but reliable publication. The information is plausible, aligning with recent developments and official communications.
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