MPs Launch New Parliamentary Space Caucus
The non-partisan group aims to boost space security and industry prosperity within the Canadian government.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Space
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Liberal MP Yasir Naqvi and Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar have formed a non-partisan Parliamentary Space Caucus. The group intends to advocate for economic growth, defence, and sovereignty within the Canadian space sector.
Why it matters
The caucus seeks to influence legislative priorities like the Canadian Space Launch Act, providing a dedicated platform to represent industry interests before government ministers and opposition critics.
The caucus supports the progress of Bill C-28, which is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Commons. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon previously opened the debate on this legislation on April 28, 2026.
The players
Yasir Naqvi
Liberal MP for Ottawa Centre and co-founder of the Parliamentary Space Caucus.
Shuvaloy Majumdar
Conservative MP for Calgary Heritage and co-founder of the Parliamentary Space Caucus.
Steven MacKinnon
Transport Minister who opened debate on the Canadian Space Launch Act.
Mélanie Joly
Industry Minister who recently announced new funding for Xona.
The details
Formed at the SpaceBound conference, the caucus is built on the pillars of space security, prosperity, and cooperation. Membership is open to all MPs and senators, who will work to build cross-party support for space-related policy.
Timeline
April 28, 2026: Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon opened debate on Bill C-28.
September 2026: The House of Commons returned to session.
October 20, 2026: Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced $15 million in funding for Xona.
October 21, 2026: The Parliamentary Space Caucus was announced.
The Big Picture
The formation of the caucus marks a strategic alignment to support Bill C-28, the Canadian Space Launch Act. This shift aims to bridge the gap between industry stakeholders and the legislative process to move the act past its second reading.
The caucus may influence the future of domestic space launches, particularly in regions like Nova Scotia, by streamlining regulatory frameworks. This could accelerate commercial activity and potentially lower barriers for Canadian space companies.
The takeaway
The creation of this caucus signals a move toward making space a bipartisan priority in Canadian politics. Readers should watch for upcoming parliamentary debates on space-related legislation as the group begins its advocacy work.
Further reading
For more information on national developments, visit the Canada Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SpaceQ.
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