Conservatives demand full disclosure of Telesat military satellite contract

Conservative MPs are calling for the release of the contract and the internal deliberations that led to the award of a military satellite programme to Telesat. Their request focuses on the personal connection between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Telesat chief Dan Goldberg, questioning whether proper ethics safeguards were applied. The government’s Privy Council Office asserts that the Defence Investment Agency followed the correct process and that a conflict-of-interest screen, overseen by the prime minister’s chief of staff and the clerk of the Privy Council, was in place.

The satellite system is intended to give the Canadian armed forces secure communications in the Arctic and was fast-tracked in recent months. Opposition critic James Bezan emphasizes the need for transparency and public confidence. Telesat officials note that the project builds on a proposal first introduced in 2008 and that they remain on schedule to deliver the capability.