Release Spaceport Nova Scotia documents

AI summary

Petitioners ask the Government to release documents on the $200M Spaceport Nova Scotia deal, identify beneficiaries, explain the payment for the unfinished launch site, and stop related funding. The government responds that funding is milestone-tied.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS Canadians are struggling with the rising cost of living while the Carney Liberals continue to direct taxpayer money to questionable projects and bill future generations for today's reckless spending; The Carney Liberals have committed $200 million to a private spaceport project that has yet to conduct a single orbital launch; Public reporting shows the so-called 'spaceport' currently consists of a concrete pad, gravel road, and shipping containers; The Carney Liberals have agreed to rent a launch facility that is not yet ready, while failing to provide clear milestones, timelines, or accountability for delivering functional space launch capability; Liberal insiders and connected individuals are tied to the project, reinforcing concerns about insider benefit and political favouritism; We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Release all documents related to the $200 million Spaceport Nova Scotia agreement; 2. Reveal which Liberal insiders and connected individuals stand to benefit from this project; 3. Explain why Canadians are paying $200 million for a launch facility that is not yet ready; 4. End reckless Liberal spending and stop rewarding politically connected projects with taxpayer money.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Signed by Sherry Romanado Canada’s sovereign launch capability is just one part of our larger investments in space—investments that are crucial to our safety and economic prosperity. National Defence has a $200 million, 10-year agreement with Maritime Launch Services, which is a long-term, performance-based investment to build a Canadian space launch capability. Under the agreement, National Defence is providing $20 million annually through a lease arrangement for access to land and infrastructure required to develop a dedicated space launch site. This is not a grant or subsidy but is tied to delivering the capability. This approach allows the government to partner with industry instead of building and owning a spaceport, which would require more upfront funding, take longer, and involve greater risks. The facility is not yet fully operational, this reflects the planned development trajectory. Clear timelines are in place: initial operational capability by the end of 2026, full operational capability by summer 2027, and orbital launches in 2028. To date, Maritime Launch Services has conducted a limited number of sub-orbital launches in support of research and development activities. These launches involved smaller test vehicles and have provided early operational experience to support the site’s development. Funding is tied to results. Payments depend on meeting specific milestones and National Defence can reduce, withhold, or stop payments if those commitments are not met. This ensures strong oversight and protects taxpayer dollars. This performance-based structure was informed by consultations across government, with industry and international partners. The investment supports Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, which identifies space launch capability as essential to national security, defence readiness, and strategic autonomy. Developing a domestic launch capability strengthens national security, Arctic sovereignty, Canada’s ability to participate in Allied defence operations, communication resilience, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and scientific advancement. In addition to security considerations, the agreement is intended to generate long-term economic benefits. At least 90 per cent of funding must be spent in Canada, helping Canadian companies, workers, and supply chains. It also positions Canada to participate more fully in the growing global space economy and to foster innovation and industrial capacity over the coming decades. Our investments in Canada’s space capabilities will translate into new jobs, stronger supply chains, greater industrial capacity, and a more resilient Canadian economy. These are essential capabilities the protect Canada and create massive economic benefits for Canadians. National Defence maintains oversight of the project through established governance and reporting mechanisms, including annual assessments and compliance monitoring to ensure obligations are met. In summary, National Defence is undertaking a phased, conditional investment to develop a critical national capability. Funding depends on progress, and the goal is to deliver a secure, sovereign, and economically beneficial space launch capability for Canada.