Nearly All Canadian Provinces Have Starlink Deals

 

Nearly All Canadian Provinces and Territories Have Starlink Deals, Investigation Finds

Published Date: November 15, 2026
Category: Technology | Canada News | Internet & Telecommunications

Introduction

Nearly all provinces and territories across Canada have established some form of business relationship with Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX. These relationships include government contracts, service agreements and financial rebates, according to an investigation by the Investigative Journalism Foundation (IJF).

The findings highlight Canada's growing reliance on satellite internet services, even as the federal government considers reducing its dependence on companies such as Starlink.

Key Findings from the Investigation

According to the IJF investigation:

• Almost every provincial and territorial government in Canada has or recently had an official relationship with Starlink.

• Six governments have direct contracts or agreements that allow them to obtain Starlink services when needed.

• Two governments provide rebate programs to help cover the cost of Starlink services.

• The investigation examined government responses, media reports and public procurement records to identify these connections.

These findings demonstrate how widely Starlink has become integrated into Canada's internet connectivity infrastructure.

Why Are Canadian Governments Using Starlink?

Starlink provides satellite-based internet services through a network of satellites operating in low Earth orbit. Unlike traditional broadband infrastructure, it can deliver internet connectivity to locations where installing fibre-optic cables or building conventional telecommunications networks is difficult.

This makes the technology particularly useful for:

• Remote and rural communities.

• Northern regions with limited internet infrastructure.

• Areas with unreliable traditional broadband connections.

• Public services operating in geographically isolated locations.

For many communities, satellite internet can provide an important alternative to conventional internet services.

Canada's Growing Dependence on Starlink

The investigation raises an important question about Canada's relationship with foreign technology companies.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that Canada should become less dependent on Starlink, a company owned by SpaceX and controlled by Elon Musk. However, the IJF findings suggest that provincial and territorial governments already have significant connections with the company.

Reducing this dependence may not be straightforward because governments and communities have come to rely on satellite connectivity in areas where alternative services may be limited.

Challenges of Reducing Starlink Dependence

Moving away from Starlink could create several challenges for Canadian governments.

1. Limited Alternatives: Remote communities may not have access to reliable high-speed internet through traditional providers.

2. Infrastructure Costs: Developing alternative broadband infrastructure could require significant public investment.

3. Service Continuity: Governments must ensure that essential internet services remain available during any transition to different providers.

4. Technology Independence: Canada faces the challenge of balancing reliable internet access with its goal of reducing dependence on foreign technology companies.

What Does This Mean for Canada's Future?

The IJF investigation highlights the growing importance of satellite internet in Canada's digital infrastructure. Starlink has become an important connectivity option for governments, businesses and remote communities.

However, the findings also raise questions about government procurement, technology independence and long-term digital security.

Canada may need to explore alternative satellite providers and strengthen its domestic telecommunications capabilities before it can significantly reduce its reliance on Starlink.

Conclusion

The IJF investigation reveals that Starlink has established a substantial presence across Canada's provincial and territorial governments through contracts, agreements and rebate programs.

Although the technology provides valuable internet access to underserved communities, Canada's growing relationship with Starlink presents a challenge for its goal of achieving greater technological independence.

The key question is whether Canada can reduce its dependence on Starlink without compromising internet access for its remote and rural communities.

Source: Investigative Journalism Foundation (IJF)

Original Report: https://theijf.org/article/nearly-all-provinces-and-territories-have-starlink-contracts-agreements-or-rebates-ijf-analysis-finds