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Status and purpose

• Bill C-28, the Canadian Space Launch Act, was introduced at first reading on April 21, 2026. It would establish a framework for space launches and re-entries by amending the Aeronautics Act and three other Acts.
• It would affect launch and re-entry vehicle owners and operators, site operators, nearby landowners and users, and federal and provincial authorities.

Aeronautics Act

• Definitions and approvals: Launch and re-entry vehicles would be included in the definition of “aircraft,” while certified launch and re-entry sites would be excluded from the definition of “airport.” Regulations could define “launch,” “launch vehicle” and “re-entry vehicle.” Temporary vehicle definitions would apply until regulations define both vehicle terms.
• Permits and sites: Regulations could govern permits and notices for launches from Canada and re-entries into Canada, and certificates for aerodromes used for those activities, including their renewal, amendment, suspension, transfer and cancellation. Certain related decisions would be removed from Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada review.
• Safety and international rules: The bill expands regulation-making powers concerning international agreements and standards. It also provides authority to stop a launch, re-entry or related activity. Regulations under the Explosives Act would prevail in a conflict with launch or re-entry vehicle regulations.
• Liability and public funds: The Minister of Transport could indemnify vehicle owners or operators against third-party liability for loss or damage when the Minister considers it in the public interest. The Minister could also require them to indemnify Canada against third-party liability, including claims arising under the international Space Liability Convention. The bill recommends appropriation of public revenue but gives no cost estimate.
• Financial responsibility: Regulations could establish a separate financial responsibility regime for operators, including minimum amounts. The Minister or an authorized officer could grant exemptions or reduce a minimum amount when they consider it in the public interest.
• Zoning: Federal zoning regulations could restrict use or development of land near certified or designated launch and re-entry sites. Some zoning powers for designated sites require an unsuccessful reasonable attempt to reach an agreement with the province, unless the Minister considers immediate action necessary. The Minister could also agree with provincial authorities to regulate nearby land use.

Other Acts

• The Carriage by Air Act would clarify that its references to aircraft do not include launch or re-entry vehicles.
• The Canada Transportation Act definition of “air service” would exclude services using those vehicles.
• The Secure Air Travel Act definition of “air carrier” would similarly exclude those vehicles for that Act’s purposes.

Timing

• The supplied text gives no general implementation date. It specifies that the temporary vehicle definitions would be repealed when regulations defining both terms come into force.