National Defence committee  I think it's really going to be forum to exchange information on threats relating to space operations. For us, if we see anything that we feel is threatening either our current satellites or our future constellation, we will share that with DND. Likewise, whatever information they feel is appropriate to share, they will.

National Defence committee  In some instances, there could be more open dialogue with the parties that are supplying the services. If it's just shared on a need-to-know basis, it would facilitate an exchange.

National Defence committee  We were asked to get security clearances two years ago. They were fast-tracked for Telesat. It was never indicated why we needed these top security clearances. We were told that we would be consulted shortly. That consultation never came. We're still waiting on the sharing of information.

National Defence committee  Thank you. I think the space council can help develop the right policies to ensure that space remains available and remains a protected area. The space council can also identify regulations for at least Canadian companies to operate in and abide by those specific regulations. Today, we work through ISED and CSA in terms of the regulation, but a space council would bring together the global interests and ensure that space remains secure and available.

National Defence committee  Yes, likewise we do have an export control working group as well at Telesat, but to our knowledge—and I just checked with Mr. Hampton—we haven't heard of anything coming in to the company, but we'll take an undertaking and get back to you.

National Defence committee  Our advantage is in the telecommunications industry. Our company has been in business for 50 years. We operate satellites for government and for commercial purposes alike. We are in the process of developing a low-earth orbit satellite constellation. This constellation will offer services that cannot be compared to those of the geostationary satellites that we had in the past.

National Defence committee  We were quite pleased to see the new defence policy being issued, and we're quite excited by the fact that the government recognizes as well the importance of space to the space defence policy. The industry is innovating at a very fast pace by making services, technology and capabilities available faster, at a lower price point, with probably greater capabilities than governments can move.

National Defence committee  Good morning, Mr. Chair and members of the committee. Thank you for inviting Telesat to participate today. My name is Michele Beck and I am Telesat's senior vice-president of sales for Canada. With me this morning is Mr. Stephen Hampton, head of public policy and strategic accounts.