If passed, government can regulate and manage launch and re-entry activities from Canadian territory
Transport minister Steven MacKinnon has introduced the Canadian Space Launch Act, which enables the government to regulate and supervise space launch and re-entry activities happening on Canadian territory.
The law sets the authorities required to grant regulatory certainty to industry, support investment and infrastructure development. Its regulatory framework directly backs the country’s Defence Industrial Strategy and National Security Strategy and aligns with the federal government’s economic growth, national defence and sovereignty priorities.
Canada’s gross domestic product for 2022 got a roughly $3.2 billion boost from the space sector; in 2023, the sector’s workforce increased by 5.9 percent. Deloitte estimated that the domestic space market would hit $40 billion by 2040.
“Canada has a long and important history in space, and we are taking another major step toward securing our future in the rapidly evolving space domain. A long-term Canadian commercial space launch and re-entry regulatory framework would help make our space sector more competitive, create lasting economic opportunity for the Canadian space sector, encourage innovation and research, and support national security,” said MacKinnon, who is the leader of the government in the House of Commons, in a statement.
Per the government, the Act’s regulatory framework also enables the nation to meet strategic needs and strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure and systems dependent on space assets. It is also expected to drive innovation locally as well as sector growth; moreover, it aids in renewing economic and security alliances.
“At a moment of rising global uncertainty, Canada must reinforce its economic security and safeguard its sovereignty by investing in our capabilities. By advancing space launch activities here at home and implementing our new Defence Industrial Strategy, the government is opening the door to emerging opportunities for Canadian innovators and businesses, creating high quality jobs that strengthen our economy, and enhancing Canada’s security,” said Mélanie Joly, minister of industry and minister responsible for Canada economic development for Quebec regions. “With global demand for space launch services at record levels, Canada is stepping up to meet this demand and ensuring Canadians benefit and lead the growth of this strategic sector.”
Justice minister and Canada attorney general Sean Fraser added that the government’s $200 million spaceport investment in Nova Scotia, which was announced by national defence minister David J. McGuinty last month, would help facilitate the launch of Canadian technology from local soil. The investment covers significant new space-related capabilities and initiatives.
The investment also positions Atlantic Canada as “a growing hub for innovation and global partnerships.”
“Our government is opening Canadian airspace under clear and controlled conditions so companies can safely launch and return spacecraft from Canada. That clarity gives industry the confidence to invest, build infrastructure, and create good-paying jobs here at home,” Fraser said.
