This is an area where the advances are very rapid, so it's a concern when it takes two years for a licence to be approved. However, the federal government recognizes that the legislation is old and processes that are currently in place need to be updated, given the significant advances. Part of the delay was they have a federal government site that was developed and there was also a site that was developed by the private sector. This was the first international application that was received. They had to make sure about national security issues, and also perhaps the fact that the construction of a facility was done before the application process was approved may have had an impact on it as well.
Bob McLeod on Question 134-18(3): Licensing Delays For Inuvik Satellite Facilities
In the Legislative Assembly on February 21st, 2018. See this statement in context.
Question 134-18(3): Licensing Delays For Inuvik Satellite Facilities
Oral Questions
February 20th, 2018
See context to find out what was said next.