Reaching North

The point of view, which collaborated insight across the Canadian Space Ecosystem, provides a comprehensive ‘call to action’ in the necessity and advantages of Canadian Investment in Space to enhance Canadian Arctic Sovereignty.

The point of view outlines that Canada has long depended on geographic advantages and a stable, rules-based international order to ensure its security and prosperity. It contends that these advantages are eroding as climate change makes the Arctic more accessible and as global trends shift toward economic nationalism and renewed great power competition. As a result, Canada faces new vulnerabilities in both its northern regions and its international relationships, requiring a strategic reassessment of its approach to sovereignty and economic development.

It is against this new paradigm that the point of view augers that it is the Canadian Space Sector that will play the critical role in supporting Canada’s national defence and sovereignty, particularly in the Arctic.
It provides examples and insight in how modern military and civilian operations rely heavily on space-based infrastructure for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), communications, and command and control. It helps the reader appreciate Canada’s ability to monitor its territory, communicate securely across vast distances, and respond quickly to threats depends on robust space capabilities.

It is against this context and to address these challenges, the point of view advocates for a comprehensive Canadian “Space Value Chain”—from conceptualizing and designing systems to building, launching, operating, maintaining, and eventually decommissioning space assets. This approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining domestic control over key technologies and capabilities.

Within the Space Value Chain the point of view provides insight into strategic investments that space should focus on based on priority areas for Arctic Sovereignty:

• Space domain awareness to track threats,
• Advanced satellite communications for remote regions,
• Robotics and commercial solutions for international collaboration and innovation,
• Enhanced Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and security,
• Domestic launch capabilities for independent asset management,
•  Cybersecurity to protect against adversarial disruptions,
• And partnerships with Indigenous communities to leverage local knowledge and Arctic awareness.
  

The point of view sets out a series of immediate next steps. These next steps include;

• Accelerating government procurement of Canadian space solutions,
• Building a skilled workforce through partnerships with educational institutions,
• Engaging professional services to navigate the complex space sector, and
• Encouraging private sector investment with government support.

The tactical recommendations are a ‘call for action’ and include:

• The establishment of a Cabinet-level Canadian Space Council to coordinate national space interests,
• Prioritizing investment in Canadian-owned businesses and
• Creating a secure supply chain for dual-use assets.

These measures would not only support Canadian national security and sovereignty but also drive economic growth, scientific advancement, and community development, especially in northern regions.

In conclusion, the point of view argues that Canada’s future security, prosperity, and global leadership depend on its ability to adapt to new geostrategic realities by investing in and leveraging its space sector. Proactive action will position Canada to defend its interests and seize new opportunities in a rapidly changing world.