Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was announcing a major government investment plan at a scientific research institute when he was asked a question about quantum computing by a reporter. Trudeau, a former math teacher, was not intimidated; instead, he provided a detailed answer, drawing applause and cheers from the top scientists and other guests present. The clip has since gone viral online.
Trudeau spoke at the "Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics" in Waterloo, Ontario, announcing that the government would invest $50 million in scientific research over the next 5 years.
A reporter jokingly asked Trudeau, "I wanted to ask you about quantum computing, but..." before immediately shifting the question to the "Islamic State" (ISIS). Unexpectedly, Trudeau provided an accurate definition of quantum computing, drawing laughter from everyone in the room.
Trudeau's subsequent response surprised the entire room. He said, "Normal computers work on a binary system, either 0 or 1. Quantum states are much more complex because we know that matter can be both a particle and a wave, and the uncertainty of quantum states allows us to encode more information into smaller computers."
Some scientists remarked that they had never seen a Prime Minister like Trudeau attempt to answer such a question, and that he had indeed answered it very well.