Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra recently joined Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell to announce the Government of Canada’s intention to support commercial space launch activities in Canada.

Representatives from the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada and Space Canada, organizations who represent the Canadian aerospace industry and Canadian space innovators, also joined Minister Alghabra for this announcement to emphasize the benefits for the Canadian aerospace sector.

Geographically, Canada is well-positioned to support space launches. However, its regulatory framework needs to be modernized to address all aspects associated with this emerging industry.

In the interim, which is expected to last three years, the Government of Canada intends to enable commercial space launch activities in Canada that are safe, secure and environmentally sustainable, under existing legislation and regulations, on a case-by-case basis.

During the interim period, Transport Canada will work in close collaboration with other federal departments and agencies to develop robust regulatory requirements, safety standards and licensing conditions necessary for commercial space launch in Canada.

In addition, the Minister of Transport will establish an interdepartmental review process to leverage expertise from other departments and agencies to ensure that any launch is considered and approved in a manner consistent with domestic legislation, international treaties and conventions, and national security and foreign policy interests of Canada.