Ottawa seeks input on new space law and resilient navigation infrastructure
A proposed Canadian space act and new navigation resilience framework aim to address national-security, commercial and infrastructure risks.
Canada is asking for public input on a new space law that would modernize the rules governing Canadian activity in orbit. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly launched consultations during the SpaceBound 2026 conference on October 22, alongside a framework designed to make positioning, navigation and timing services more resilient.
The government says commercial space activity is expanding while security and technology risks are becoming harder to manage. The proposed legislation would complement earlier work on commercial launch regulation and could shape how Canadian businesses operate satellites and other space systems. Consultations are a policy-development step: they do not mean the new law has already been passed.
The Positioning, Navigation and Timing Resilience Framework addresses systems many industries depend on every day. Those services help with transportation, telecommunications, mapping, financial infrastructure and operations in remote regions. The plan calls for a more diverse mix of space-based and terrestrial capabilities, and closer co-operation among governments, researchers and companies.
Ottawa also identifies opportunities to develop Canadian technologies with both civilian and defence uses. The stated goal is to improve preparedness if a signal or service is disrupted, while allowing domestic firms to participate in emerging markets. The practical details remain important: businesses will want to know what standards, costs and responsibilities future regulations may bring. Canadians can review the government’s consultation materials and submit their views through the official process before policy choices are finalized. Reliable navigation matters especially for logistics and emergency response.