Secure communications are at the heart of national security, public trust, and effective operations. With threats evolving rapidly, from AI-powered disinformation to quantum computing, Canada’s public sector leaders must make deliberate choices about digital sovereignty, procurement, and readiness.
This was the focus of a recent CGE Radio conversation with BlackBerry’s Maaz Yasin, Head of Secure Communications Government Relations, and David Wiseman, Vice President of Secure Communications. The discussion highlighted how BlackBerry, with its global reach, is helping governments strengthen their security posture and prepare for an uncertain future.
Here are 5 key takeaways that Canadian decision-makers must consider when securing their communications:
#1: BlackBerry Has Evolved but Security Remains Its Core
“The smartphone hardware business is what we do not do anymore,” Yasin explained. “We are now purely a software company. But what we took forward was the essence people remember us for, security.”
That security-first heritage now underpins BlackBerry® Secure Communications solutions for government: secure device management, secure voice and messaging at the classified level, and critical event management. Each, designed to meet the needs of today’s geopolitical environment and align with Canadian government priorities.
#2: Sovereignty and Control Are Non-Negotiable
For governments, sovereignty increasingly defines trust. As Wiseman put it, “We focus on providing a sovereign system that Canada has control over; who’s using it, where the data resides, and ensuring third parties cannot intercept.”
This aligns with Ottawa’s broader defence commitments set out by Prime Minister Mark Carney, to increase spending to 2% of GDP this fiscal year, with a further ramp toward 5% following the NATO summit. Within this expansion, sovereignty, interoperability with allies, and supporting Canadian industry are explicit goals of the new Defence Industrial Strategy. “We check all of those boxes,” Yasin emphasized.
#3: Encryption Alone Is Not Enough
“End-to-end encryption is important,” Wiseman noted, “but it’s just the first step.” The larger risk lies in identity – ensuring that officials are truly speaking to who they believe they are.
Consumer-grade apps are vulnerable to spoofing, deepfakes, and impersonation, risks highlighted in the Communications Security Establishment’s (CSE) 2025 Threat Update. BlackBerry Secure Communications layers continuous identity validation, government authorization, and compliance-ready recordkeeping on top of encryption, capabilities that consumer systems cannot provide.
Critically, security also requires policy enforcement. As Wiseman stated, no public servant today would use personal email for government business. The same mindset must apply to messaging and voice communications.
#4: Certifications Are Proof of Trust and Help Streamline Procurement
Certifications are not symbolic, they are decisive. BlackBerry holds NATO Restricted, Common Criteria, and Canada Secret certifications, achieved through rigorous, independent testing. Yasin called them “badges of honor” that differentiate BlackBerry from other secure communications providers.
These certifications reduce procurement risk and support a new focus on accelerated defence acquisition. As Yasin describes, secure communications are “low-hanging fruit” compared to multi-year procurements like aircraft or submarines, solutions that can be deployed quickly.
Equally important, these solutions are convenient. Moving beyond the “clunky” hard-wired phones of the past, BlackBerry provides security that fits seamlessly into the fast-paced reality of modern government work.
#5: How BlackBerry Is Helping Prepare for Quantum Shifts
Quantum computing poses the risk of rendering today’s encryption obsolete. “We have to assume every network is compromised,” Wiseman warned. “The key is preparing with quantum-resistant algorithms tied into certification requirements from CSE and other authorities.”
This approach ensures Canada’s sensitive data remains protected for decades, aligning with the Cyber Centre’s long-term strategy and the government’s broader digital defence agenda.
Looking Ahead
Secure communication is more than an IT concern. It is an essential pillar of sovereignty, defence readiness, and national resilience.
For Canadian leaders, the choice is clear. Consumer-grade apps cannot meet government needs. Only sovereign, certified, Canada Secret, quantum-ready platforms will. As Yasin affirmed, “BlackBerry is alive and well,” providing a solution trusted by NATO, the G7, and over 75% of the U.S. federal government.
A secure communications strategy is not optional. It is the backbone of Canada’s national security posture, public trust, and place on the global stage.
To learn more, visit BlackBerry’s Secure Communications website.
