Planet Labs missed its second chance to track satellites from its Inuvik station during its mid-July launch.
The company, along with Kongsberg Satellite of Norway and local business New North Networks, invested approximately $10 million in the commercial satellite station between town and the airport but its antennae have yet to be used as the company鈥檚 application for a licence still sits with Global Affairs Canada.
That has caused Planet to threaten pulling out of Inuvik.
鈥淎lthough we expected an answer by the end of June, we have yet to receive an update from GAC on a licence to operate our ground station in Inuvik,鈥� stated a Planet spokesperson in an e-mail to the Inuvik Drum.
鈥淭his delay is frustrating and we are beyond disappointed, and feel both confused and concerned about the future of our investment in Canada.鈥�
The company requires two approvals: one from GAC, and the other from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Planet has previously stated that working with ISED has been no issue, but finds GAC鈥檚 process slow and arduous compared to other countries鈥� regulatory systems.
Northwest Territories MP Michael McLeod has been involved in the situation since it began and finds himself in the middle of a debate that very much has two sides.
鈥淚s there a holdup?鈥� he questioned the Drum reporter when asked about the situation. 鈥淭he completed application was formally filed at the end of February. It鈥檚 been 150 days now. It鈥檚 a complex process.鈥�
There are many factors to consider, from national security to defense and safety of the Canadian Armed Forces, he said. McLeod has been in regular contact with Minister Chrystia Freeland on the subject.
鈥淚鈥檝e asked her to let us know if there鈥檚 something that needs to be reconsidered or remedied in the process,鈥� said McLeod.
About the time it鈥檚 taken for Planet to get an approval, he said 鈥渢here is not a problem,鈥� adding that he hasn鈥檛 compared Canada鈥檚 satellite approval process to those of other nations.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been 150 days and the process is rigorous,鈥� said McLeod. 鈥淚t involves many departments. It鈥檚 an independent review free from interference from politicians and other influences. It has to run its course. Can it be faster? Maybe. Can other countries do it faster? I don鈥檛 know.鈥�
However, he has conveyed to Freeland that the project should not be left in limbo, and he said the industry is very important to Inuvik鈥檚 economy.
鈥淚f it takes too long, we may squander our competitive geographic edge,鈥� said McLeod.
Asked if Canada has too much red tape, McLeod said he doesn鈥檛 know.
鈥淧lanet Labs is indicating that,鈥� he said. 鈥淭om Zubko (owner of New North Networks) has indicated that it鈥檚 too slow. The department is saying this is the standard process鈥� I鈥檓 hearing it from both sides.鈥�
At the end of the day, McLeod says he always has to support his constituents if forced to pick a side.
鈥淚f they say this is too slow, that鈥檚 the message I鈥檓 bringing forward,鈥� he said.
