Canada Finishes Space Launch Negotiations With the United States

Canada Finishes Space Launch Negotiations With the United States
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly introduces Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a Liberal party fundraiser in Montreal, on July 3, 2024. The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi
The Canadian Press
Updated:
0:00

Canada is a step closer to the final frontier after completing negotiations with the United States on an agreement with major implications for domestic space launches.

The agreement, which is yet to be signed, will establish the legal and technical safeguards needed to use U.S. space launch technology, expertise and data for launches in Canada.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says in a news release that Canada’s growing commercial space launch industry relies on its ability to collaborate across borders.

She says this agreement, when in force, will position Canada as a global leader in commercial space launch.

Maritime Launch, the company developing Canada’s first commercial spaceport in northeastern Nova Scotia, says in a news release that the agreement is a major step forward for the industry.

The federal government is in the process of modernizing its regulatory framework around commercial space launch activities as the industry sees tremendous growth globally.