Government of Canada launches consultations on a new Canadian space act and takes action to strengthen the resiliency of Canada's space infrastructure critical for national security

New investments and policies will bolster resiliency in PNT infrastructure, while Canadians will have an opportunity to shape the nation's first comprehensive space law

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 22, 2026 /CNW/ -- This week, at SpaceBound 2026, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, launched consultations on a new Canadian space act, aimed at modernizing and streamlining Canada's in-space regulations, and Canada's first Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Resilience Framework. As the world becomes increasingly complex, dangerous and unpredictable, with growing competition in space and shifting geopolitical dynamics, the Government of Canada is taking the necessary steps to modernize Canada's space regulatory frameworks, strengthen our national security and safeguard Canada's interests.

Building on the Canadian Space Launch Act introduced in 2026 to enable commercial space launch, a space act would aim to establish a modern and comprehensive regulatory framework for Canadian activities in outer space, supporting Canada's continued leadership as a responsible spacefaring nation and helping Canadian companies compete on the global stage. Canadians can help shape the space act through public consultations this fall.

Minister Joly also announced the release of Canada's first PNT Resilience Framework, which aims to bolster the resiliency of vital space infrastructure that is fundamental to building a strong, sovereign and secure Canada, for Canadians.

The framework reflects a modern, coordinated approach by governments, industry and researchers to diversify Canada's PNT sources, strengthen sovereign dual-use PNT capabilities, drive investment and innovation, and improve awareness and preparedness.

The new framework enables initiatives that will do the following:

• Diversify Canada's PNT sources: Recognizing the importance of advancing multiple sources of PNT such as space- and terrestrial-based technologies, sensors and emerging PNT technologies
• Strengthen sovereign dual-use PNT capabilities: Reflecting the role of domestic companies and technology development to support Canadian civilian and defence requirements
• Foster investment and innovation: Highlighting the importance of the right conditions to support companies developing and deploying dual-use PNT technology
• Improve awareness and preparedness: Reinforcing that resilience is strengthened by fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing and best practices

PNT underpins nearly every aspect of our digital and physical infrastructure, and the new framework will help support and protect critical services, northern and remote operations, and Canada's long-term competitiveness.

By modernizing Canada's space regulatory framework and strengthening the resilience of critical dual-use PNT infrastructure, our government is safeguarding Canada's sovereignty, strengthening our national security and ensuring Canadian businesses and innovators are positioned to succeed in an increasingly competitive global space sector.

Quotes

"Building a strong Canada means supporting the industries that underpin our economic and national security. These initiatives will bring governments, world-leading space companies and innovators together to seize emerging economic opportunities and strengthen our position as a global leader in space. Our government is building a strong, resilient space sector that advances Canada's economic security, space capabilities and national interests and will continue to do so for decades to come."
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

"Whether it's to defend our sovereignty in the Arctic or operate alongside our allies, the Canadian Armed Forces depend on reliable positioning, navigation and timing systems. As threats evolve, strengthening the resilience of these critical capabilities is essential to our national security. This new framework will help advance Canadian-made, dual-use technologies, strengthen our defence readiness, and ensure the women and men who serve Canada can depend on the tools they need to carry out their missions."
– The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

• In 2024, Canada's space industry contributed $3.8 billion to Canada's economy and supported more than 28,000 jobs across Canada.
• PNT technologies and systems provide the information we need to understand where we are (positioning), to determine how to get where we need to go (navigation) and to synchronize networks, or time-stamp (timing). An example of PNT systems that many Canadians rely on daily is global navigation satellite systems, such as the global positioning system (GPS) and Galileo.
• These everyday uses for PNT systems are diverse and critical. They include phone-based navigation and ride-sharing, payment processing and fraud prevention, first responder dispatch and communications, and power grid operations.

Associated links

• State of the Canadian Space Sector Report 2025
• Consultation on Legislative and Regulatory Modernization for Space Activities
• Positioning, Navigation and Timing Resilience Framework
• The Canadian Positioning, Navigation and Timing Board (PNTB)
• Government of Canada invests $15 million in Xona Space Systems Canada

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Contacts: Gabrielle Landry, Deputy Director, Media Relations, Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, [email protected]