Planet Labs missed its second chance to track satellites from its Inuvik station during its mid-July launch.

The company, along with Kongsberg Satellite of Norway and local business New North Networks, invested approximately $10 million in the commercial satellite station between town and the airport but its antennae have yet to be used as the companySA国际影视传媒檚 application for a licence still sits with Global Affairs Canada.

That has caused Planet to threaten pulling out of Inuvik.

SA国际影视传媒淎lthough we expected an answer by the end of June, we have yet to receive an update from GAC on a licence to operate our ground station in Inuvik,SA国际影视传媒� stated a Planet spokesperson in an e-mail to the Inuvik Drum.

SA国际影视传媒淭his delay is frustrating and we are beyond disappointed, and feel both confused and concerned about the future of our investment in Canada.SA国际影视传媒�

The company requires two approvals: one from GAC, and the other from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Planet has previously stated that working with ISED has been no issue, but finds GACSA国际影视传媒檚 process slow and arduous compared to other countriesSA国际影视传媒� regulatory systems.

Northwest Territories MP Michael McLeod has been involved in the situation since it began and finds himself in the middle of a debate that very much has two sides.

SA国际影视传媒淚s there a holdup?SA国际影视传媒� he questioned the Drum reporter when asked about the situation. SA国际影视传媒淭he completed application was formally filed at the end of February. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 been 150 days now. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 a complex process.SA国际影视传媒�

There are many factors to consider, from national security to defense and safety of the Canadian Armed Forces, he said. McLeod has been in regular contact with Minister Chrystia Freeland on the subject.

SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檝e asked her to let us know if thereSA国际影视传媒檚 something that needs to be reconsidered or remedied in the process,SA国际影视传媒� said McLeod.

About the time itSA国际影视传媒檚 taken for Planet to get an approval, he said SA国际影视传媒渢here is not a problem,SA国际影视传媒� adding that he hasnSA国际影视传媒檛 compared CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 satellite approval process to those of other nations.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 been 150 days and the process is rigorous,SA国际影视传媒� said McLeod. SA国际影视传媒淚t involves many departments. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 an independent review free from interference from politicians and other influences. It has to run its course. Can it be faster? Maybe. Can other countries do it faster? I donSA国际影视传媒檛 know.SA国际影视传媒�

However, he has conveyed to Freeland that the project should not be left in limbo, and he said the industry is very important to InuvikSA国际影视传媒檚 economy.

SA国际影视传媒淚f it takes too long, we may squander our competitive geographic edge,SA国际影视传媒� said McLeod.

Asked if Canada has too much red tape, McLeod said he doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 know.

SA国际影视传媒淧lanet Labs is indicating that,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭om Zubko (owner of New North Networks) has indicated that itSA国际影视传媒檚 too slow. The department is saying this is the standard processSA国际影视传媒� ISA国际影视传媒檓 hearing it from both sides.SA国际影视传媒�

At the end of the day, McLeod says he always has to support his constituents if forced to pick a side.

SA国际影视传媒淚f they say this is too slow, thatSA国际影视传媒檚 the message ISA国际影视传媒檓 bringing forward,SA国际影视传媒� he said.