Canada to Establish Domestic Space-Launch Regime to Reduce Reliance on U.S. -- Update

Published: 2026-04-21 13:34:21 ET RY.TO

Published on 04/21/2026 at 01:34 pm EDT - Modified on 04/21/2026 at 01:35 pm EDT

By Paul Vieira

OTTAWA--Canada intends to amend existing legislation to give officials oversight on the development and use of space-launch sites in the country -- another policy move designed to reduce the country's reliance on the U.S.

Canada is the only country among the big Group of Seven economies that must rely on foreign countries to ensure its satellites get into space, the government said in a statement. Officials said the legislative changes would give Canada the sovereign capability to launch rockets for national defence and commercial purposes, and regulate and oversee space launch and re-entry activity from Canadian territory.

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said relying on foreign countries, most notably the U.S., means losing out on investments, "creates costly delays and leaves critical infrastructure exposed to decisions beyond our control." He added the move is also about asserting Canada's sovereign control, and "the potential to drive growth in aerospace and satellite communications."

Officials add there are two space-launch pads under development, both in Atlantic Canada. The government said that, based on estimates from THE accounting and consultancy firm Deloitte, Canada's space market is projected to reach about $30 billion by 2040.

A report from Royal Bank of Canada last year said the country could be a major player in the burgeoning space industry, but "too much of Canada's space ambition rests on past achievements and not enough on future commitments. And we're at risk of losing altitude just as the global space industry is taking off." The report, which was co-authored by a former chief economist at National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, said Canada requires advanced space capabilities if it wants to maintain sovereignty and deter adversaries, particularly in the Arctic.

"This is about giving ourselves the options and the capability of protecting Canada, and of making sure our armed forces stay current and on pace with the rest of the world," MacKinnon said.

Canada has pledged a major ramp up in defense spending, in part to meet benchmarks agreed to by members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Write to Paul Vieira at [email protected]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-21-26 1333ET