Overview
- Ottawa named Telesat and MDA Space strategic partners for the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar to strengthen secure military communications in the North and support NORAD and NATO commitments.
- The initial CA$2.92 million contract tasks the companies with engineering and options analysis covering orbital altitudes and frequency bands, with the constellation architecture yet to be determined.
- Government materials and media reports describe ESCP‑P as a multi‑billion‑dollar effort, with coverage citing a budget of more than CA$5 billion.
- Delivery timing remains uncertain, with references ranging from a government statement targeting 2035 to parliamentary documents noting online capability in 2037 and full operational capability in 2041 as officials explore acceleration.
- Canada will apply its Industrial and Technological Benefits policy to ensure domestic jobs and participation by small and medium‑sized firms as the Defence Investment Agency uses early industry integration to speed procurement.