Telesat signs new agreement with feds and Focus Graphite lands $14M in federal funding

December 15, 2025

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Ottawa-based satellite systems provider Telesat has partnered with the federal government and MDA Space to develop and deliver multi-frequency, Arctic military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) capability to the Canadian Armed Forces. MILSATCOM is part of Canada’s Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar (ESCP-P) project, a narrowband and wideband solution that will “strengthen and safeguard Canada’s Arctic sovereignty while bolstering Canada’s NORAD and NATO commitments,” Telesat said in a news release. “For decades, Telesat has proudly supported the mission-critical connectivity needs of the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Telesat president and CEO Dan Goldberg in the release. “Along with MDA Space, we are honoured to be chosen as strategic partners in modernizing Canada’s defence capabilities and expanding secure, resilient communications infrastructure. Procurement is being led by the newly formed Defence Investment Agency (DIA), which harnesses industry and government expertise in the design, development and delivery of advanced defence programs. According to the release, the ESCP-P project represents a multibillion-dollar investment by Canada and will act as a catalyst for significant investment, job creation and economic growth. “The Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar marks a critical advancement for Canada’s defence and sovereignty, particularly across our Arctic and northern regions,” said Defence Minister David McGuinty in the release. “By investing in cutting-edge satellite communications, we are providing the Canadian Armed Forces with secure, resilient, and modern capabilities — allowing them to safeguard our airspace, respond quickly to emerging threats, and support communities throughout the Arctic and the North.

Focus Graphite lands $14.1M from NRCan to support electrothermal purification process

Ottawa-based Focus Graphite has received $14.1 million in non-repayable, non-dilutive funding from Natural Resources Canada. Focus Graphite develops high-grade flake graphite deposits and next-generation lithium-ion battery technology. The new funding comes under the government’s Global Partnerships Initiative. In a news release, Focus Graphite said that its project “unites Canadian, Ukrainian, and U.S. partners to produce ultra-high purity graphite for global battery, aerospace, defence, and advanced material markets.” The project also advances NATO, G7 and European policy objectives for secure, diversified and ESG-aligned critical mineral supply chains, according to the company. The funding will go toward the development, piloting and commercial demonstration of Focus's clean electrothermal purification process. "Chinese graphite is currently embedded throughout North American military, aerospace, and energy systems, creating strategic vulnerabilities across the entire allied value chain,” said Dean Hanisch, CEO of Focus Graphite. “The ability to produce ultra-high purity material domestically, and process it using a clean, chemical free purification method, positions Focus to directly support the shift toward reliable, non-Chinese sources of strategic critical minerals." Under the agreement, NRCan will provide up to $14,062,600 in non-repayable funding, representing approximately 73.6 per cent of total eligible project costs. Focus Graphite will contribute $4,787,500 in cash and an additional $250,000 in in-kind contributions.