A bill to establish a legislative framework for space launch activities in Canada, including regulation, liability, and emergency authorities. During discussion, some members focused on the bill's lack of specificity and potential for broad regulatory discretion, while others discussed its potential economic impact and the government's past failures to invest in certain sectors.
“The old government protected our security in space. The new bill doesn't have a real security test. Why should we trust the government's discretion instead of putting a real law in place? I want to stop hostile foreign actors from launching satellites over our Arctic.”
“I want the government to pass my bill and create the right kind of market for satellite launches. Other people might take advantage if the government doesn't do this.”
“Canada needs to catch up in the space industry. The government wants to create a space launch framework. I want Quebec to be involved. We will see what the government really intends with this bill.”
“I say this bill creates jobs in Quebec and Manitoba. I want the member to agree there are benefits. I am really asking him to cheer for our space industry framework.”
“Yes, I'll cheer for this bill. Quebec has more aerospace jobs than Manitoba. The real goal is to reward Quebec. Don't give the minister power to reward anyone else.”
“I appreciate that the member asked her questions in French. The presence of French is often forgotten in Canada. I would say that the matter is fairly broad. We should hear from many witnesses during the committee study of Bill C-28 to address the concerns and questions raised.”
“The government doesn't have an aerospace policy. Quebec invested everything it could in Bombardier C Series, but we lost out because the federal government didn't invest. Will things be different now for the aerospace industry?”
“I want you to agree with my party and publish the regulations before we pass this bill. We don't trust your government to write fair rules after the fact.”
“I'll play along. The government should tell us what rules they want before we pass their bill. If they already know their plans they should tell us now instead of springing it on us later. I don't like when the government announces big plans without knowing how to make them real. Show us your hand so we can work with it.”
“I want to call what the last person said 'an ambitious goal' and promise that the government will make it real as soon as 2028 if you pass our bill. I want to say out loud that this bill will help the country reach that goal. I want to cheer for our bill and ask other parties to say how fast they will pass it.”
“I want this bill to pass through the House quickly. The government and I don't have all the expertise on space law yet. I think working out the details is important so I want to hear from expert witnesses in committee. I want to say out loud that Canada doesn't have a legal framework for space launches and right now we only have laws for air travel.”
“This government keeps trying to give ministers more power to do things without having to ask permission. I don't like that. I want more chances to argue about what the government is doing.”
“I'm not sure yet. The government often hides things. I want the government to be more open. Maybe we can change the bill later so it makes the government more open.”
“I am happy to talk about this bill. The space industry could be good for Canada. It could make a lot of money. The military might use it too. The Prime Minister wants this. We should pass this bill. Let's work together and maybe change the bill a little. I hope more people will support this.”
“The UK space law says space activities must not harm national security. Bill C-28 does not say that. This is a problem. Bill C-28 does not make the government check with our security agencies. The UK law does. Canada's bill has a gap that could put us at risk. The UK bill is better.”
“You say there is a security gap. I don't care. I want this bill to pass so Canada can launch rockets. Why are you so negative? Stop finding problems. The Conservatives should help pass this bill instead of attacking it.”
“You talk a lot. The Bloc works hard for Quebec. That's good. I have a real question. This bill lets the government change definitions anytime it wants without debate. That's bad. Why does this bill give the government so much power to change things without asking Parliament?”
