OTTAWA – Telesat is applauding a new report recommending that Canada’s new space strategy support, promote and prioritize the Canadian space sector.
The report, Consultations on Canada’s Future in Space: What We Heard, was prepared by the Space Advisory Board and identifies the following six issues for the federal government to consider as it develops a new space strategy:
– designating the space sector as a national strategic asset that's essential for Canada's sovereignty, security and economic growth;
– strengthening the capacity of Canada's space sector to compete globally;
– adopting new policies and regulations to capitalize on the development of new space technologies;
– maintaining well-balanced government programming to support the space sector;
– renewing public education and outreach programs to inspire the next generation of Canadians; and
– revitalizing Canada's space program to ensure it remains responsive and relevant to its international partners.
Telesat said that it is pleased to see an emphasis on procuring, to the extent possible, space services from Canadian industry (rather than acquiring, launching and operating space systems) to meet government needs. This approach promotes private sector investment while shifting the fiscal, schedule and operational risks of space procurements away from the government and the taxpayer, to commercial enterprises, employing the same, highly successful model used with their own sophisticated commercial customers, continued the global satellite operator.
“The Canadian space sector has a long history of contributing to Canada’s economic and employment growth,” said Telesat president and CEO Dan Goldberg, in a statement. “Actively promoting and prioritizing the Canadian space sector for our own government and private citizen satellite communication requirements, as our like-minded allies around the world have done, will create and support employment, spur innovation and enhance the competiveness of our domestic firms while improving export opportunities.”
