Tag Archives: ISED

The good news for those who have been waiting on the beta trial of the SpaceX Starlink service in Canada is that as soon as SpaceX gets approval from the Canadian government on its satellite spectrum license, SpaceX intends to roll-out its limited beta program as soon as possible. However, According to Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, the service in Canada does face another challenge.

Despite what you may have read, SpaceX is not authorized yet to offer Starlink service in Canada. In fact, no one, including even SpaceX, knows when they might offer services in Canada. The reason is simple, SpaceX needs a satellite spectrum license from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to operate and offer their services to Canadian customers.

Waterloo based SkyWatch was awarded a $156k contract from the Innovative Solutions Canada program via the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

With the mantra of a whole of government approach at work, a team effort by several government departments is underway to organize a space-data partnering mission to the United Kingdom (UK) next March.

Last Friday the Prime Minister’s office posted changes to senior ranks of the Public Service including announcing the retirement of John Knubley, Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED).

SpaceQ has confirmed from an Innovation, Science and Economic Development department official that the long awaited new Canadian Space Strategy will be released this week.

In a world where news is disseminated seemingly at light speed globally, why is it that government departments and ministers make Canadians wait months before making an announcement on a decision that’s already been made?

The Canadian SmallSat Symposium held in Toronto, February 13-15, attracted national and international individuals, ranging from small start-ups, law firms, private commercial space corporates, to the government, all involved in the Canadian small satellite and space sector.

Today the government released the findings of the recently completed Space Advisory Board consultations on Canada’s upcoming new Space Strategy.  The Space Advisory Board report put forward two recommendations  based on six key themes.

In episode 8 of the SpaceQ podcast our guest is Ryan Anderson the lead organizer of Satellite Canada, an organization created to compete for a piece of the governments new $950 million Innovation Superclusters Initiative.