Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon introduced Bill C-28, the Canadian Space Launch Act, in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

It’s Ottawa’s latest push to build a domestic rocket launch capability and move toward greater space sovereignty.

The legislation comes amid renewed attention on Canada’s role in space, following Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s participation in the Artemis II mission and growing government interest in expanding the country’s defence strategy. 

Beyond the buzzwords, iPolitics asked experts to break down what the bill really means for Canada’s role in space.

What is Space Sovereignty?

“Space exploration really is multinational… sovereignty is about how we’re going to use space to make the most of it,” said Dan Kerry, Deloitte’s Canada director and space lead, in an interview with iPolitics. 

Kerry said that largely centres on “space utilization,” building and operating satellites and using the data they produce, rather than exploration missions like Artemis II. 

“That’s where you get insight, everything from climate change, everything from understanding where minerals might be and into maybe defence applications about where we are and where others might be,” Kerry said. 

More broadly, space sovereignty goes beyond just launching rockets. It requires control over the entire lifecycle, from designing and manufacturing satellites to launching, operating, and analyzing data. 

Why now? 

Canada is currently the only G7 country without its own domestic launch capability. 

The United States, Japan and Europe all operate established rocket programs, while countries like the UK are developing their own launch infrastructure and military space commands. 

The push also comes as geopolitical competition in space intensifies, with countries racing to expand satellite networks and secure strategic advantages in orbit.

“Canada still relies on others,” Kerry said, despite its strengths in satellites, robotics and data. 

That reliance, however, comes with risks, according to Alexander Salt, post-doctoral fellow at Canadian Global Affairs Institute.

He said depending on foreign launch providers, it can give other countries political leverage, particularly during periods of tensions when Canadian payloads could face delays or be deprioritized.

READ MORE: Ottawa introduces bill that aims to launch ‘homegrown’ satellites to space

Beyond Launch

Space-based systems are also increasingly tied to Arctic surveillance and national security, Kerry said, where Canada faces ongoing challenges monitoring its northern territory.

Kerry added that satellites offer a practical way to better understand and manage the region, where building traditional infrastructure like roads and railways is often difficult.

In the Arctic, those capabilities are already becoming a priority.

Salt said Ottawa has stepped up investment in northern surveillance, including radar systems and NORAD modernization, but added that space-based capabilities will be key to improving long-term awareness in the region.

“Canada is taking many of the right steps in increasing its capabilities here, but the work must continue,” Salt said.

Build, partner, buy

The effort also fits into Ottawa’s broader defence industrial strategy, which emphasizes the “build, partner, buy” approach in developing domestic capabilities where possible, while working with allies or procuring systems abroad when needed. 

In the space sector, that means building out launch capacity at home while continuing to rely on international partnerships for other capabilities.

The legislation is still in its early stages, and experts say building a domestic launch industry will take years of investment, infrastructure development and coordination with private sector partners.

What now? 

Looking ahead, experts say the focus will shift from policy to actual execution.

There’s also a momentous public interest in space, Kerry said, thanks to Hansen’s recent mission. Kerry added that Canada has a strong foundation in space talent, with established players, university research and expertise in areas like satellite technology and quantum. 

Now, the government’s long-term priority is turning that research into real-world applications and having sustained investment, Kerry said. 

“The way of sustaining that talent is putting demand signals which shows that Canada is serious in investing and making space cool again,” he said. 

Kerry added that many space technologies serve both commercial and security purposes, from improving communications in remote communities to supporting defence operations.