Government of Canada Selects Spaceport Nova Scotia as Dedicated Sovereign Launch Site for National Defence

Executive Summary

• The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) has signed a ten‑year lease for a dedicated launch pad at Spaceport Nova Scotia, creating Canada’s first sovereign orbital launch capability.
• The agreement is valued at C$200 million over the term, with Maritime Launch Services receiving C$20 million per year; the first payment of C$20 M is due before 31 Mar 2026 and subsequent quarterly payments of C$5 M follow.
• The dedicated pad is slated to achieve initial operational readiness by end‑2026, supporting both defence and commercial launch customers and driving significant domestic job creation and industry spend.

Key Details

• Lease Term & Value: 10‑year lease, total contract value C$200 million; annual rental income C$20 million.
• Payment Schedule: First cash payment of C$20 M due ≤ 31 Mar 2026; thereafter C$5 M payable at the end of each fiscal quarter.
• Domestic Spend: Approximately 90 % of gross rental payments will be spent in Canada on domestic industry and workforce development.
• Operational Milestones: Dedicated launch pad to reach initial operational readiness by end‑2026; Maritime Launch remains responsible for facility maintenance, additional pad construction, launch control centre, payload integration/testing facilities, and supporting infrastructure.
• Strategic Impact: Provides DND and the Canadian Armed Forces with guaranteed sovereign access to space; aligns with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and Budget 2025‑26 investments.
• Broader Benefits: Enables commercial, civil, and defence missions from a dual‑use site; creates high‑quality jobs in rural Nova Scotia (e.g., Municipality of the District of Guysborough).
• NATO Involvement: Minister David J. McGuinty announced Canada’s intention to become a full member of NATO’s STARLIFT initiative, enhancing allied rapid launch capabilities.

Notable Quotes

“Today we build on Canada’s proud legacy as a nation of innovators, explorers, and builders… Canada will be there. Ad Astra Defendimus.” – The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“Spaceport Nova Scotia helps address a global launch capacity bottleneck… This agreement represents a long‑term investment in Canadian infrastructure, workers, and communities.” – Stephen Matier, President & CEO, Maritime Launch Services Inc.