Canada’s Minister of National Defence, The Honourable David J. McGuinty, highlights leadership in space
News release
November 19, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, affirmed Canada’s commitment to space security and innovation at Space Canada’s Space Bound conference, which brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia to discuss the future of space.
The Minister emphasized the critical role space plays in the defence of Canada. From satellite communications and positioning-navigation-and-timing systems to Earth-observation sensors, space-based technologies are essential for connecting Canadians and safeguarding the country.
The Minister recognized the importance of modernizing how Canada delivers space capabilities in support of national interests spanning defence, science, industry, and innovation. Budget 2025 proposes to provide $182.6 million over three years to the Department of National Defence starting in 2025-26 to establish a sovereign space launch capability.
Canada’s space legacy spans more than six decades, beginning with the launch of Alouette I in 1962. Today, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) continue to advance space capabilities through initiatives such as Sapphire—Canada’s first dedicated military space-surveillance satellite—and through close collaboration with partners such as North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Five Eyes, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the Combined Space Operations Initiative.
Quotes
“Canada has a proud history in space and we are building on that legacy with investments that will strengthen our security and create new opportunities for innovation. Space is critical to our sovereignty, our economy, and our ability to protect Canadians. We will continue to work with our partners for space to remain open, secure, and sustainable.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
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In line with Canada’s renewed defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free, Canada has committed to significant investments to modernize space capabilities, including $222 million for a new Arctic satellite ground station (Avedlek) and over $5 billion for a global satellite communications system to connect CAF operations worldwide.
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Canada has recognized space as a fully operational domain since 2017, alongside air, land, sea, and cyber. Space is congested, competitive, and contested, which requires vigilance and capability to protect national interests.
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3 Canadian Space Division, established in 2022 within the Royal Canadian Air Force, delivers agility and focus to space operations. It builds space power to support CAF operations, strengthen command and control systems, and protect critical satellite infrastructure.
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Canada works closely with partners to keep space secure through NORAD, the Five Eyes, the Combined Space Operations Initiative, and NATO.
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The Combined Space Operations Initiative generates and improves cooperation and coordination of national security space activities. It has grown to ten partners: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca