Canada has a leading semiconductor industry but is the only G7 country without a national semiconductor strategy.
OTTAWA, November 13, 2025 — The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC), CMC Microsystems, and ventureLAB today announced a major collaborative effort to advance the development of a Canadian National Semiconductor Strategy.
The initiative will highlight the strategic importance of semiconductors, Canada’s position in the global market, and key policy recommendations for federal engagement. ICTC will lead the development of a comprehensive economic impact analysis of Canada’s semiconductor industry, providing the most rigorous projection to date of how federal investment in this sector can translate into economic growth, job creation, commercialization opportunities, and secure integration into allied supply chains.
This analysis is urgently needed. Although Canada is home to world-class strengths in semiconductor design, photonics, compound semiconductors, and advanced packaging, it remains the only G7 country without a national semiconductor strategy. This gap leaves Canada vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, talent loss, and diminished competitiveness in the face of massive strategic investments by peer economies. By quantifying the economic returns of investment, the analysis will make a compelling case for Canada to establish a coordinated, long-term plan.
“By providing rigorous economic and evidence-based policy recommendations, this initiative will help Canada chart a clear and competitive course for its semiconductor industry,” said Namir Anani, ICTC President & CEO. “A national semiconductor roadmap is essential to strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness, safeguard our supply chains, and unlock growth opportunities across all sectors of our economy.”
“Chips may be small, but they drive industries in a big way, from automotive to clean energy to AI,” added Paul Slaby, Managing Director of Canada’s Semiconductor Council. “The countries that secure their semiconductor future will lead in innovation and economic growth. Canada has real strengths in this field, but without a national plan we risk losing talent, investment, and competitiveness. This research will give policymakers a clear picture of the economic payoff of investing now, and show why action today is about safeguarding jobs, industries, and Canada’s place on the world stage.”
Gordon Harling, President & CEO of CMC Microsystems, emphasized the importance of linking research to commercialization: “CMC Microsystems has long supported thousands of Canadian researchers and startups developing breakthrough advanced technologies and products. This collaboration project will ensure that their innovations translate into economic growth, talent development, and secure, trusted supply chains here in Canada.”
Hugh Chow, CEO of ventureLAB, highlighted the role of startups and scale-ups: “Canada’s hardtech companies are inventing the future of semiconductors, but they need the right conditions to grow here at home. By combining economic analysis with bold policy recommendations, this initiative will make clear why Canada must invest in its semiconductor ecosystem to drive commercialization, protect IP, and create globally competitive Canadian champions.”
The findings will directly support federal action on recommendations already identified by industry leaders, including expanding semiconductor workforce development, enhancing domestic fabrication and packaging capacity, and building Canada’s automotive semiconductor capabilities.
About the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a neutral, not-for-profit national centre of expertise dedicated to strengthening Canada’s digital advantage in the global economy. For over 30 years, ICTC has provided forward-looking research, practical policy advice, and capacity-building solutions for individuals and businesses. Its goal is to ensure that technology fuels economic growth and innovation and that Canada's workforce remains competitive on a global scale.
About Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC)
Canada’s Semiconductor Council (CSC) is a national industry organization representing the breadth of Canada’s semiconductor ecosystem, advocating for strategic investments and policies to strengthen Canada’s position in the global chip economy.
About CMC Microsystems
CMC Microsystems has been at the forefront of technological change, managing federal and provincial government investments to introduce advanced technology, to support research, and to impact Canada’s industrial high-tech landscape for over 40 years. CMC manages the $223M FABrIC project, a Government of Canada investment to build a vibrant and sustainable Canadian Semiconductor Ecosystem with world-class talent and global impact.
About ventureLAB
ventureLAB is a leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada, providing access to capital, talent, and customers to help scale Canadian companies globally.
For media inquiries, please contact ICTC at media@ictc-ctic.ca
