[SatNews] ...will serve as a guide for Canada’s strategic activities and future in space and help ensure...

Telesat, Canada’s satellite operator, welcomes the Government of Canada’s new Space Policy Framework. The framework, released earlier today, will serve as a guide for Canada’s strategic activities and future in space and help ensure a strong and commercially competitive space industry. Under Canada’s Space Policy Framework, Canada’s activities in space will be driven by national sovereignty, security and prosperity and the private sector will be positioned at the forefront of these activities.

Industry Minister James Moore— Photograph by: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld , Financial Pos

“Telesat applauds the Government of Canada and Minister Moore for undertaking an inclusive, transparent and pragmatic review of Canada’s space policy,” stated Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO.  “The new Space Policy Framework properly takes into account the world class capabilities of the Canadian space industry and the important role it plays in job creation, economic growth and the enhancement of Canada’s sovereignty and security. By relying on the private sector to the maximum extent possible to provide the space-related services and equipment that it needs, the Government will not only advance these important objectives, it will save money for Canadian taxpayers.”

The Space Policy Framework announced today also complements a number of other key policy initiatives, including the Canada First Defence Strategy, Canada’s Northern Strategy and the recently announced Defence Procurement Strategy. Goldberg added: “Taken together, these policies will permit the Government to fully leverage the significant industrial capabilities of Telesat and other leading Canadian space-related companies which, in turn, will stimulate economic development in all regions of Canada.”

Telesat looks forward to working with government and other key stakeholders to ensure the success of Canada’s Space Policy Framework.

Telesat is a global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world, the company’s state-of-the-art fleet consists of 14 satellites and the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 with another satellite under construction. Telesat also manages the operations of additional satellites for third parties. Privately held, Telesat’s principal shareholders are Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board and Loral Space & Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: LORL).