Space startups lobby Ottawa for funding as launch industry grows
LUNR Aerospace and Canada’s Space Innovators are seeking federal partnerships and funding to retain talent.
Two Canadian space startups are lobbying the federal government for funding and partnerships to develop domestic launch capabilities and retain specialized talent.
LUNR Aerospace Corporation and Canada’s Space Innovators have both registered to lobby Ottawa, according to the federal lobbyist registry.
The activity comes as Parliament considers Bill C-28, the Canadian Space Launch Act, which seeks to establish a federal regulatory and financial framework for domestic space launches.
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LUNR Aerospace, a startup developing launch vehicles, is seeking federal support to help attract and retain specialized talent.
The company is also pursuing funding through the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program.
The lobbying push coincides with growing investment in Canada’s launch industry.
This week, Canada Rocket Company announced plans to build a large-scale rocket engine testing facility, a $30-million investment.
The company also received $8.3 million from the government’s IDEaS program.
LUNR Aerospace was registered by Alonso Munoz Sanchez, a consultant with Navigator Ltd.
The main focus of their lobbying efforts was "to explore potential partnerships with the federal government to retain Canadian talent and advance Canadian orbital launch capability."
Additional discussions were held "to support and advocate for the development of a domestic spaceport operator."
Other notable lobbying registrations this week included Jaunt Air Mobility Canada, which is seeking government funding and contracts to provide drones to the Canadian Armed Forces.
Jaunt Air Mobility was registered by Don Boudria, a consultant with Sandstone Group, primarily "to engage with the federal government on defence and transportation policies regarding the promotion of drone products as opportunities for commercialization."
Varme Energy Inc. was registered by Andre Corbould, a consultant with Integrated Strategic Partners Inc., "to facilitate meetings for the client with key stakeholders in the Government of Canada to engage in discussions regarding carbon pricing and related policies."
Moderna Biopharma Canada Corporation was registered by Natalie Edmondson, a consultant with Barrack Hill Public Affairs Inc., "to communicate with government officials about pandemic and emergency planning, including the 'Pandemic Preparedness Plan' being prepared by the Public Health Agency of Canada ('PHAC')."
Eldorado Gold was the most registered organization, with four unique registrations made on its behalf.
Its lobbyists focused on federal policies related to gold, copper and critical minerals, as well as sector competitiveness and infrastructure development.
Eldorado Gold was registered by Jonathan Kalles, Ashley Csanady, and Victoria Lachance, all consultants with Vantage Canada LP, as well as Richard Mahoney, a consultant with MPA Advocates.
The focus of their lobbying effort was "to facilitate discussions centered around federal policies and programs related to gold, copper and critical minerals, along with discussions on sector competitiveness, infrastructure development, updates on ongoing projects, Canadian foreign investment, trade, and international agreements."
Rodeo FX was registered by Julie-Anne Vien, a consultant with National Public Relations, with the goal "of promoting the importance of Canada’s animation and special effects industry and the need to boost its productivity through redesigned and enhanced tax policies and incentives."
General Mills Canada Corporation was registered by Carla Ventin, a consultant with Mile26 Strategy, to communicate regarding "Canada-US issues including trade, tariffs and counter-tariffs, border and supply chain, and discuss the impact on the operations and competitiveness of the client."
Inuvialuit Regional Corporation was registered by Joel Tallerico and Daniel Brock, both consultants with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, primarily "to advocate for policies and contracts relating to arctic security and defence infrastructure investments for Canada’s Western Arctic, including those relating to the NORAD Northern Basing Infrastructure."
Quantum Industry Canada was registered by Holly Fullager, a consultant with Texture Communications, "to advocate on behalf of the quantum industry for government programs like the Quantum Champions Program and to raise general awareness of the quantum industry and its public policy needs with senior public office holders."
There were 203 communication reports filed with the lobbyist registry between September 26 and October 2.
With files from iPolitics