Can Canada Still Lay Claim to "Innovation Nation"?

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made headlines in 2016 when he responded to a reporter’s tongue-in-cheek question asking him to “explain quantum computing” with a remarkably lucid answer that earned him a standing ovation from the scientists in the audience. These impromptu remarks reinforced Canada’s global reputation as a technologically savvy nation at the forefront of innovation, a reputation it has earned from a wide range of activities from pioneering early research on artificial intelligence (AI) and taking an initial lead in deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by fast-tracking the permitting process. Unfortunately, some of Canada’s most recent technology policy initiatives raise doubts that its government still prioritizes innovation and is not instead turning to some of the precautionary and protectionist measures embraced by the EU.