Mr. Emerson and his colleagues underscore the strategic importance of Canada's space industry and the need for timely Government action

OTTAWA, Nov. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Telesat, Canada's premiere satellite operator, welcomes the Report of the Aerospace Review released earlier today and believes that its recommendations provide a clear path forward for the Government of Canada.

Telesat congratulates Minister Paradis for mandating the Aerospace Review and Mr. Emerson and his colleagues for their work in delivering a timely and focused report that addresses many of the critical issues facing Canada's space industry.

Among the key aspects of the Report is a clear statement that the imperatives of development and security in the North should be high on the list of Government priorities in a Canadian Space Program.  "Telesat agrees that the North presents an important opportunity and believes that it can be best addressed by leveraging the advanced capabilities of today's satellite services", stated Dan Goldberg, President and CEO.  "For the past several years, the Government of Canada has studied the development of a capability to provide broadband communications infrastructure for sovereignty, safety and security objectives in the North and to allow for meteorological observation in the Arctic to permit weather forecasting, modeling and environmental monitoring. Creating such a capability would greatly enhance the government's ability to deliver on some of the key objectives identified in the Report, using satellites as a key instrument of policy."

The Aerospace Review Report also identifies that one of Government's key responsibilities relates to making procurement decisions that strengthen domestic industries, and therefore the national economy, while respecting international trade rules and acquiring the best products at a reasonable price. Telesat applauds the Report's approach in relation to procurement practices of the Government.  "Given that Canada is making fewer space investments than certain other countries the Government of Canada must be highly targeted and strategic when it procures space related services and goods with a view toward enhancing the competitiveness of the Canadian space sector while at the same time achieving a good value proposition for the Canadian taxpayer", said Mr. Goldberg.

Telesat looks forward to the Government's response to this important Report.

About Telesat (www.telesat.com)                                                                                                           
Telesat is a leading global fixed satellite services operator providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world, the company's state-of-the-art fleet consists of 13 satellites and the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1, plus one satellite awaiting launch. Telesat also manages the operations of additional satellites for third parties. Privately held, Telesat's principal shareholders are Canada's Public Sector Pension Investment Board and Loral Space & Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: LORL).                                                      

SOURCE Telesat Canada