Canada’s Trade Minister  Congratulates MDA on Success in Ukraine

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, on December 16 congratulated MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) of Richmond, B.C., for winning a bid to build a communications satellite system for the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU). Minister Day oversaw the signing of the agreement between MDA and NSAU, subject to final terms, while on an official visit to Ukraine.

“My visit to Ukraine in September shows that we are really opening doors for Canadian business, whether in Ukraine’s space sector or in the exploration of opportunities in its nuclear energy sector,” said Minister Day. “Face-to-face meetings with government officials in other countries are crucial in promoting Canadian interests abroad.”

MDA will build and launch a geostationary satellite and provide two satellite control centres and other ground infrastructure. The satellite will support direct broadcast television and high-speed Internet for the people of Ukraine and surrounding areas.

Minister Day also noted the critical role that Export Development Canada (EDC), a federal Crown corporation, plays in supporting Canadian business abroad. EDC provided $254 million in financing on commercial terms to NSAU to facilitate MDA’s bid.

“EDC’s facilitation of Canadian business abroad makes an important contribution to the Canadian economy and job creation,” said Minister Day. “That support was critical in MDA’s successful bid for this project.”