Telesat partners with government of Canada, MDA Space

Executive Summary

• Telesat Corp. has entered a strategic partnership with the Government of Canada and MDA Space Ltd. to develop and deliver a next-generation, multifrequency military satellite communications (milsatcom) solution for the Canadian Armed Forces.
• The project, known as the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar (ESCP-P), aims to strengthen Canada's Arctic sovereignty and support NORAD and NATO commitments through a narrowband and wideband architecture.
• The initiative is a multibillion-dollar investment led by the Defence Investment Agency (DIA), designed to accelerate deployment timelines and leverage industry expertise for advanced defense programs.

Key Details

• Parties Involved: Telesat Corp., Government of Canada, MDA Space Ltd., and the Defence Investment Agency (DIA).
• Project Name: Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar (ESCP-P).
• Objective: To deliver a state-of-the-art milsatcom architecture providing narrowband and wideband capabilities to the Canadian Armed Forces.
• Strategic Goals:
  • Strengthen and safeguard Canada's Arctic sovereignty.
  • Bolster Canada's commitments to NORAD and NATO.
  • Provide secure, resilient, and modern communications capabilities for remote regions.
• Procurement Structure:
  • Led by the newly formed Defence Investment Agency (DIA).
  • Utilizes a "strategic partner model" to harness industry and government expertise.
  • Aims for a "meaningfully accelerated timeline" for design, development, and delivery.
• Economic Impact:
  • Described as a "multibillion-dollar investment."
  • Expected to act as a catalyst for significant investment, job creation, and economic growth in Canada.
  • Subject to Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy to ensure innovation and high-value job creation for Canadians, including small and medium-sized businesses.
• Background: The partnership follows an extensive industry engagement process anchored by Requests for Information (RFI) submissions.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Goldberg, President and CEO of Telesat: "For decades, Telesat has proudly supported the mission-critical connectivity needs of the Canadian Armed Forces. Along with MDA Space, we are honoured to be chosen as strategic partners in modernizing Canada's defence capabilities and expanding secure, resilient communications infrastructure."
• Hon. Joel Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement: "Today's announcement underscores Canada's commitment to equipping our military with the tools it needs to operate effectively in the North and beyond... supporting innovation and job creation across Canada."
• Hon. David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence: "The enhanced satellite communications project -- Polar marks a critical advancement for Canada's defence and sovereignty, particularly across our Arctic and northern regions."