Canada’s Newest Satellite Part of Liberal Arctic Strategy

December 17, 2007

OTTAWA – Friday’s launch of the Radarsat-2 satellite is the latest phase of an Arctic strategy initiated by previous Liberal governments, Liberal Critic for Northern Issues Larry Bagnell said today.“This satellite will be able to provide scientific data on ice thickness and defend our sovereignty claims by pinpointing foreign vessels traveling in Arctic waterways regardless of the weather or time of day,” said Mr. Bagnell.

Development of Radarsat-2 started shortly after the launch of Radarsat-1 in 1995 and was funded by a $430 million contribution from the Liberal governments of Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin. Radarsat-2 is expected to play a prominent role in defending Canada’s territorial claims in the high Arctic as well as contributing to a better understanding of the effects of climate change.

The operation of the satellite will be the responsibility of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) who will cover the annual $15 million operating costs while providing Canadian government departments with free access to satellite data.

“This partnership enhances Canadian research in the North, while at the same time building Canada’s reputation within the aerospace industry,” said Mr. Bagnell. “In light of the impact of global warming already felt in the Canadian Arctic, the decision made years ago to build and launch this satellite was not only visionary but showed a huge commitment to the North.”