Telesat Canada 20-F 27 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report (foreign) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019shares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Entity Registrant Name	Telesat Canada
Entity Central Index Key	0001465191
Document Type	20-F
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Entity Incorporation State Country Code	A6
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Document Annual Report	true
Document Shell Company Report	false
Entity Ex Transition Period	false
Common Stock [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	74,252,460
Director Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,000
Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	7,034,444
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	38,477,137

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Profit or loss [abstract]
Revenue	$ 910,893	$ 902,932	$ 927,407
Operating expenses	(165,499)	(185,827)	(187,687)
Net revenue	745,394	717,105	739,720
Depreciation	(242,966)	(224,851)	(221,058)
Amortization	(23,277)	(24,305)	(26,330)
Other operating (losses) gains, net	(862)	743	5,902
Operating income	478,289	468,692	498,234
Interest expense	(258,261)	(237,786)	(200,144)
Loss on refinancing	(151,919)
Interest and other income	20,043	16,498	3,004
(Loss) gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments	(49,672)	(18,205)	60,306
Gain (loss) on foreign exchange	163,840	(259,079)	223,898
Income (loss) before tax	202,320	(29,880)	585,298
Tax expense	(15,122)	(61,056)	(80,245)
Net income (loss)	$ 187,198	$ (90,936)	$ 505,053

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Profit or loss [abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 187,198	$ (90,936)	$ 505,053
Items that may be reclassified into profit or loss
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(50,465)	44,459	(48,563)
Items that will not be reclassified into profit or loss
Actuarial gains (losses) on employee benefit	1,134	7,755	(5,171)
Tax (expense) recovery	(403)	(2,031)	673
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(49,734)	50,183	(53,061)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 137,464	$ (40,753)	$ 451,992

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Common shares	Preferred shares	Total share capital	Accumulated earnings	Equity-settled employee benefits reserve	Foreign currency translation reserve	Total reserves	Total
Balance as at beginning at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 340,602	$ 318,133	$ 658,735	$ 467,863	$ 28,698	$ 38,745	$ 67,443	$ 1,194,041
Changes in equity [Roll Forward]
Net (loss) income				505,053				505,053
Dividends declared on Director Voting Preferred shares				(10)				(10)
Return of capital	(314,022)	(192,113)	(506,135)					(506,135)
Issuance of share capital on exercise of stock appreciation rights		82	82		(5)		(5)	77
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (expense)				(4,498)		(48,563)	(48,563)	(53,061)
Share-based compensation					2,856		2,856	2,856
Balance as at end at Dec. 31, 2017	26,580	126,102	152,682	968,408	31,549	(9,818)	21,731	1,142,821
Changes in equity [Roll Forward]
Net (loss) income				(90,936)				(90,936)
Issuance of share capital on exercise of stock appreciation rights		1,024	1,024	(1,079)	(339)		(339)	(394)
Cumulative effect adjustment				(38,516)		322	322	(38,194)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (expense)				5,724		44,459	44,459	50,183
Share-based compensation					29,505		29,505	29,505
Balance as at end at Dec. 31, 2018	26,580	127,126	153,706	843,601	60,715	34,963	95,678	1,092,985
Changes in equity [Roll Forward]
Net (loss) income				184,783				187,198
Dividends declared on Director Voting Preferred shares				(20)				(20)
Issuance of share capital on exercise of stock appreciation rights		385	385	(455)	(144)		(144)	(214)
Issuance of share capital on settlement of restricted share units		804	804		(1,729)		(1,729)	(925)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (expense)				731		(50,465)	(50,465)	(49,734)
Share-based compensation					16,035		16,035	16,035
Balance as at end at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 26,580	$ 128,315	$ 154,895	$ 1,031,055	$ 74,877	$ (15,502)	$ 59,375	$ 1,245,325

Consolidated Statements of Ch_2

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of changes in equity [abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) income tax (expense) recovery	$ (403)	$ (2,031)	$ 673

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,027,222	$ 768,433
Trade and other receivables	64,062	45,631
Other current financial assets	210	18,779
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	43,724	16,381
Total current assets	1,135,218	849,224
Satellites, property and other equipment	1,458,933	1,703,039
Deferred tax assets	12,412	10,799
Other long-term financial assets	57,730	55,755
Other long-term assets	8,264	7,912
Intangible assets	802,791	811,154
Goodwill	2,446,603	2,446,603
Total assets	5,921,951	5,884,486
Liabilities
Trade and other payables	26,247	30,659
Other current financial liabilities	38,281	26,386
Other current liabilities	72,315	113,289
Current indebtedness	24,408	7,888
Total current liabilities	161,251	178,222
Long-term indebtedness	3,688,391	3,716,340
Deferred tax liabilities	348,762	406,900
Other long-term financial liabilities	42,511	54,521
Other long-term liabilities	435,711	435,518
Total liabilities	4,676,626	4,791,501
Shareholders' Equity
Share capital	154,895	153,706
Accumulated earnings	1,031,055	843,601
Reserves	59,375	95,678
Total shareholders' equity	1,245,325	1,092,985
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 5,921,951	$ 5,884,486

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 187,198	$ (90,936)	$ 505,053
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation	242,966	224,851	221,058
Amortization	23,277	24,305	26,330
Tax expense	15,122	61,056	80,245
Interest expense	258,261	237,786	200,144
Interest income	(20,268)	(12,415)	(6,024)
(Gain) loss on foreign exchange	(163,840)	259,079	(223,898)
Loss (gain) on changes in fair value of financial instruments	49,672	18,205	(60,306)
Share-based compensation	16,035	29,505	2,856
Loss on disposal of assets	862	353	269
Loss on refinancing	151,919
Other	(100,078)	(91,580)	(49,040)
Income taxes paid, net of income taxes received	(95,455)	(106,308)	(62,991)
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest and interest received	(176,112)	(176,417)	(195,248)
Operating assets and liabilities	(13,942)	88,813	48,252
Net cash from operating activities	375,617	466,297	486,700
Cash flows used in investing activities
Satellite programs, including capitalized interest	(3,668)	(67,387)	(135,986)
Purchase of property and other equipment	(8,345)	(15,997)	(10,616)
Purchase of intangible assets	(27,597)	(19,923)	(18,011)
Net cash used in investing activities	(39,610)	(103,307)	(164,613)
Cash flows used in financing activities
Repayment of indebtedness	(3,743,465)	(94,951)	(31,620)
Proceeds from indebtedness	3,786,082
Payment of early redemption premium	(43,940)
Payment of debt issue costs	(28,082)	(10,190)	(42,867)
Return of capital to shareholders			(506,135)
Payments of principal on lease liabilities	(1,252)	(29)	(30)
Satellite performance incentive payments	(9,644)	(9,037)	(8,436)
Settlement of derivatives			207
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			77
Dividends paid on Director Voting preferred shares	(20)		(10)
Net cash used in financing activities	(40,321)	(114,207)	(588,814)
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(36,897)	40,605	(36,634)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	258,789	289,388	(303,361)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	768,433	479,045	782,406
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$ 1,027,222	$ 768,433	$ 479,045

Background of the Company

Background of the Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Background of the Company [Abstract]
BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANY	1. BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANY Telesat Canada (the “Company” or “Telesat”) is a Canadian corporation. Telesat is a leading global satellite operator providing reliable and secure satellite -delivered -of-the-art -1 As at December Unless the context states or requires otherwise, references herein to the “financial statements” or similar terms refer to the audited consolidated financial statements of Telesat Canada. On February

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION Statement of Compliance The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). With the exception of the changes in accounting policies outlined in Note Basis of Consolidation Subsidiaries These consolidated financial statements include the results of the Company and subsidiaries controlled by the Company. Control is achieved when the Company has power over an entity, has exposure, or rights to variable returns from its involvement with an entity, and has the ability to use the power over an entity to affect the amount of its return. The most significant subsidiaries are listed in Note 33. Joint arrangements A joint operation is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to their share of the assets and revenue, and obligations for the liabilities and expenses, relating to the arrangement. The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the Company’s share of the assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of its interest in joint operations.

Changes in Accounting Policies

Changes in Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Changes in Accounting Policies [Abstract]
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES Leases The Company has adopted IFRS Leases -of-use The Company has chosen to measure the initial right -of-use The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities recognized on the balance sheet as at January The Company has elected to adopt IFRS 16 using a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard being recorded on the balance sheet. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect in those periods. The Company has elected to not recognize a right -of-use -line The following practical expedients have been elected: • • -of-use • -of-use • -lease -lease After the commencement date, the right -of-use -line The main impacts of this standard relate to the recognition of right -of-use -term -term -term Impact on Opening Balance Sheet The following table summarizes the increases (decreases) noted on the adoption of IFRS 16 on the balance sheet as at January Other current financial assets $ (27 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ (72 ) Satellites, property and other equipment $ 26,350 Other long-term financial assets $ (123 ) Other current liabilities $ 1,069 Other long-term financial liabilities $ (723 ) Other long-term liabilities $ 25,782 Reconciliation of commitments to lease liabilities The reconciliation between the commitments disclosed in Note 31 of the December Operating property leases $ 33,837 Leases included in other operating commitments 376 Total leases included in Note 31 of the December 31, 2018 financial statements $ 34,213 Discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate $ 23,844 Adjustments as a result of different treatments of extension and termination options 12,441 Leases not capitalized due to exemptions (551 ) Variable costs included in commitments and contingencies (8,850 ) Lease liabilities as at January 1, 2019 $ 26,884 Income taxes IFRIC Uncertainty over Income Taxes Treatments Income Taxes

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	4. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on an historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments which were measured at their fair values, as explained in the accounting policies below. Historical cost is based on the fair value of the consideration given or received in exchange for assets or liabilities. Segment Reporting The Company operates in a single operating segment, in which it provides satellite -based Foreign Currency Translation Unless otherwise specified, all figures reported in the consolidated financial statements and associated note disclosures are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the functional and presentation currency of the Company. Each of the subsidiaries of the Company determines its own functional currency and uses that currency to measure items on their separate financial statements. For the Company’s non -foreign -monetary Upon consolidation of the Company’s foreign operations that have a functional currency other than the Canadian dollar, assets and liabilities are translated at the year end exchange rate, and revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates of the month in which the transactions occurred. Gains or losses on the translation of foreign subsidiaries are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, or which are available upon demand with no penalty for early redemption, are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash on hand, demand deposits, short -term Revenue Recognition Telesat recognizes revenue from satellite services on a monthly basis as services are performed in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services. Telesat accounts for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability is considered probable. Revenue from a contract to sell consulting services is recognized as follows: • • Equipment sale revenue is recognized when the customer obtains control of the equipment, being at the time the equipment is delivered to and accepted by the customer. Only equipment sales are subject to warranty or return and there is no general right of return. Historically, the Company has not incurred significant expenses for warranties. When a transaction involves more than one product or service, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative stand -alone Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue represents the Company’s liability for the provision of future services and is classified on the balance sheet in other current and long -term -line -term A significant financing component will only occur in the following circumstances: • • • In the case of the existence of a significant financing component, the amount of the consideration is adjusted to reflect what the cash selling price of the promised service would have been if payments had occurred as control of the service was transferred to the customer. The discount rate used in determining the significant financing component is the rate that would be reflected in a separate financing transaction between the Company and the customer at contract inception. Borrowing Costs Borrowing costs are incurred on the Company’s debt financing. Borrowing costs attributable to the acquisition, production or construction of a qualifying asset are added to the cost of that asset. The Company has defined a qualifying asset as an asset that takes longer than twelve months to be ready for its intended use or sale. Capitalization of borrowing costs continues until such time that the asset is substantially ready for its intended use or sale. Borrowing costs are determined based on specific financing related to the asset, or in the absence of specific financing, the borrowing costs are calculated on the basis of a capitalization rate which is equal to the Company’s weighted average cost of debt. All other borrowing costs are expensed when incurred. Leases At the inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease based on whether or not the contract conveys the right to control the use of the asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company recognizes a right -of-use -of-use -of-use The lease term is the non -cancellable After the commencement date, the right -of-use -line The lease liability is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments, arising from a change in index or rate, or if there is a change in the assessment of whether the Company will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. The amount of the remeasurement of the lease liability is also recognized as an adjustment to the right -of-use -of-use The Company has elected to not recognize a right -of-use -line The Company has also elected the practical expedient, for property leases, not to separate the non -lease -lease Government Grants Government grants are recognized where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the attached conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense, the grant is recorded as a deduction to the related expense incurred over the same period. When the grant relates to an asset, the grant is deducted from the carrying amount of the related asset as the grant is receivable. Satellites, Property and Other Equipment Satellites, property and other equipment, which are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses, include the contractual cost of equipment, capitalized engineering costs, capitalized borrowing costs during the construction or production of qualifying assets, and with respect to satellites, the cost of launch services, and launch insurance. Depreciation is calculated using the straight -line Below are the estimated useful lives in years of satellites, property and other equipment as at December Years Satellites 12 to 15 Right-of-use assets 1 to 27 Property and other equipment 3 to 30 Construction in progress is not depreciated as depreciation only commences when the asset is ready for its intended use. For satellites, depreciation commences on the day the satellite becomes available for service. The investment in each satellite will be removed from the accounts when the satellite is retired. When other property is retired from operations at the end of its useful life, the cost of the asset and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Earnings are credited with the amount of any net salvage value and charged with any net cost of removal. When an asset is sold prior to the end of its useful life, the gain or loss is recognized immediately in other operating (losses) gains, net. In the event of an unsuccessful launch or total in -orbit -orbit Liabilities related to decommissioning and restoration of retiring property and other equipment are measured at fair value with a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related asset. The liability is accreted over the period of expected cash flows with a corresponding charge to interest expense. The liabilities recorded to date have not been significant and are reassessed at the end of each reporting period. There are no decommissioning or restoration obligations for satellites. Satellite Performance Incentive Payments Satellite performance incentive payments are obligations payable to satellite manufacturers over the lives of certain satellites. The present value of the payments are capitalized as part of the cost of the satellite and recognized as part of the depreciation of the satellite. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Tangible fixed assets and finite life intangible assets are assessed for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset exceeds the recoverable amount. Tangible fixed assets and finite life intangible assets are also assessed for indicators of impairment or impairment reversals at each reporting period. In cases where there are indicators of impairment, the recoverable amount of the asset, which is the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use, is determined. If it is not possible to measure the recoverable amount for a particular asset, the Company determines the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit (“CGU”) with which it is associated. A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. The Company measures value in use on the basis of the estimated future cash flows to be generated by an asset or CGU. These future cash flows are based on the Company’s latest business plan information approved by senior management and are discounted using rates that best reflect the time value of money and the specific risks associated with the underlying asset or assets in the CGU. The fair value less costs of disposal is the price that would be received to sell an asset or CGU in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. For the impairment assessment, the fair value is calculated on a recurring basis and is calculated using level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. When an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or a CGU) is increased to the revised measure of its recoverable amount, so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset (or CGU) in prior years. Impairment losses and reversals of impairment losses are recognized in other operating (losses) gains, net. Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which establishes specific criteria for the recognition of intangible assets separately from goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess between the total of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets acquired. After initial recognition at cost, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The Company distinguishes intangible assets between assets with finite and indefinite useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are comprised of the Company’s trade name, intellectual property, and orbital slots. These assets are carried at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Finite life intangible assets, which are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses, consist of revenue backlog, customer relationships, customer contracts, concession rights, transponder rights and patents. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight -line Below are the estimated useful lives in years of the finite life intangible assets as at December Years Revenue backlog 17 Customer relationships 6 to 21 Customer contracts 15 Concession rights 5 to 15 Transponder rights 16 Patents 18 Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite Life Intangible Assets An assessment for impairment of goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets is performed annually, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets are likely to exceed their recoverable amount. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the entity level as this represents the lowest level within the Company at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, and is not larger than an operating segment. Indefinite life intangible assets have not been allocated to any CGU and are tested for impairment at the asset level. Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are qualitatively assessed for indicators of impairment. If the qualitative assessment concludes an indication of impairment, a quantitative impairment test is performed. A quantitative impairment test consists of assessing the recoverable amount of an asset, which is the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. For the quantitative impairment assessment, fair value is calculated on a recurring basis and is calculated using level 2 or level 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the valuation approach being utilized. Orbital Slots In performing the quantitative orbital slot impairment analysis, the Company determines, for each orbital slot, its fair value less costs of disposal, and its value in use on an annual basis. The higher of these two amounts is determined to be the recoverable amount. To the extent that the recoverable amount is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment exists and the asset is written down to its recoverable amount. The key assumptions used in estimating the recoverable amounts of the orbital slots include: i) the market penetration leading to revenue growth; ii) the profit margin; iii) the duration and profile of the build -up iv) the estimated start -up -up v) the discount rate. Fair value less costs of disposal is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In order to determine the fair value less costs of disposal, the Company uses either a market or income approach. Under a market approach, the Company measures what an independent third party would pay to purchase the orbital slot by looking to actual market transactions for similar assets. Under an income approach, the fair value is determined to be the sum of the projected discounted cash flows over a discrete period of time in addition to the terminal value. The value in use amount is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. The determination of this amount includes projections of cash inflows from the continuing use of the asset and cash outflows that are required to generate the associated cash inflows. These cash inflows are discounted at an appropriate discount rate. Goodwill In performing the quantitative goodwill impairment analysis, the Company assesses the recoverable amount of goodwill using the income approach as well as the market approach in the determination of the fair value of goodwill at the entity level. Under the income approach, the sum of the projected discounted cash flows for the next five years, or a longer period if justified by the most recent financial plan approved by management, in addition to a terminal value are used to determine the fair value at the entity level. In this model, significant assumptions used include: revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, working capital, costs of disposal, terminal growth rate and discount rate. Under the market approach, the fair value at the entity level is determined based on market multiples derived from comparable public companies. As part of this analysis, assumptions are made regarding the comparability of selected companies including revenue, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization multiples for valuation purposes, growth rates, size and overall profitability. Under both approaches, all assumptions used are based on management’s best estimates. The discount rates are consistent with external sources of information. Trade Name For the purposes of quantitative impairment testing, the fair value of the trade name is determined using an income approach, specifically the relief from royalties method. The relief from royalties method is comprised of two major steps: i) a determination of the hypothetical royalty rate; and ii) the subsequent application of the royalty rate to projected revenue. In determining the hypothetical royalty rate in the relief from royalties method, the Company considered comparable license agreements, operating earnings benchmarks, an excess earnings analysis to determine aggregate intangible asset earnings, and other qualitative factors. The key assumptions used include the royalty, tax and discount rates. Intellectual Property In performing the quantitative intellectual property impairment analysis, the Company determines its fair value less costs of disposal, and its value in use on an annual basis. The higher of these two amounts is determined to be the recoverable amount. To the extent that the recoverable amount is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment exists and the asset is written down to its recoverable amount. The Company measures value in use on the basis of the estimated future cash flows to be generated by an asset. These future cash flows are based on the Company’s latest business plan information approved by senior management and are discounted using rates that best reflect the time value of money and the specific risks associated with the underlying asset. Fair value less costs of disposal is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In order to determine the fair value less costs of disposal, the Company uses a market approach. Under a market approach, the Company measures what an independent third party would pay to purchase the intellectual property. Financial Instruments Financial assets are initially recognized at fair value. Financial assets are measured using one of three measurement approaches (fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”), fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”), or amortized cost). A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it is not designated as FVTPL, it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows and its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. A debt investment is measured at FVTOCI if it is not designated at FVTPL, it is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets and its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amounts outstanding. On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, the Company may irrevocably elect to present subsequent changes in the investment’s fair value in OCI. This election is made on an investment by investment basis. All financial assets not classified as measured at amortized cost or FVTOCI as described above are measured at FVTPL. The following accounting policies apply to the subsequent measurement of the Company’s financial assets: • • Financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Financial liabilities are classified as amortized cost or FVTPL. Financial liabilities that are classified as amortized cost are measured and recorded at amortized cost in accordance with the effective interest method. Financial liabilities classified as FVTPL are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of income (loss) as part of the (loss) gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments. The Company has used derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign exchange risk associated with debt denominated in foreign currencies, as well as to reduce its exposure to interest rate risk associated with debt. Currently, the Company does not designate any of its derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. All realized and unrealized gains and losses on these derivative financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated statement of income (loss) as part of (loss) gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments. Derivatives, including embedded derivatives that must be separately accounted for, are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet at inception and marked to market at each reporting period thereafter. Derivatives embedded in financial liabilities and other non -financial -financial Transaction costs for instruments classified as FVTPL are expensed as incurred. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets and liabilities (other than FVTPL) are added or deducted from the fair value of the financial asset or financial liability on initial recognition. The Company’s financial assets classified as amortized cost and contract assets are subject to impairment requirements. The Company has elected to measure loss allowances for trade receivables and other contract assets at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit loss. The lifetime expected credit losses are the expected credit losses that result from possible default events over the expected life of the instrument. Financing Costs The debt issuance costs related to the Senior Secured Credit Facility, the 6.5% Senior Notes and the 4.875% Senior Secured Notes (and former senior secured credit facility and 8.875% Senior Notes) are included in current and long -term -term -term -term -line Employee Benefit Plans Telesat maintains one contributory and three non -contributory -benefit -employment The Company accrues the present value of its obligations under employee benefit plans and the related costs reduced by the fair value of plan assets. Pension costs and other retirement benefits are determined using the projected unit credit method prorated on service and management’s best estimate of expected investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and expected health care costs. Pension plan assets are valued at fair value. The discount rate is based on the market interest rate of high quality bonds and is consistent with guidance described by Canadian Institute of Actuaries in June 2018 in the Revised Educational Note. Past service costs arising from plan amendments are recognized immediately to the extent that the benefits are already vested, and otherwise are amortized on a straight -line Remeasurements arising from defined benefit pension plans comprise actuarial gains and losses and the return on plan assets (excluding interest). Telesat recognizes them immediately in other comprehensive income (loss), which is included in accumulated earnings, in the year in which they occur. The current service costs and administration fees not related to asset management are included in operating expenses. The net interest expense (income) on the net defined benefit liability (asset) for the period is calculated by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the year to the net defined benefit liability (asset) at the beginning of the year while taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability (asset) during the year as a result of contributions and benefit payments. The net interest expense (income) is included in interest expense. The pension expense for 2019 was determined based on membership data as at December -retirement -retirement Telesat also provides health care and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. These benefits are funded primarily on a pay -as-you-go -insurance Share-Based Compensation Plans The Company offers equity -settled -based -Scholes Restricted Share Units For each restricted share unit (“RSU”), an expense is recorded over the vesting period equal to the fair value of the Non -Voting -Vesting Income Taxes Income tax expense, comprised of current and deferred income tax, is recognized in income except to the extent it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) or equity, in which case the income tax expense is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) or equity, respectively. Current income tax is measured at the amount expected to be paid to the taxation authorities, net of recoveries, based on the tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted as at the balance sheet date. Deferred taxes are the result of temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilized. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each balance sheet date and recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax assets to be recovered. Deferred tax assets are netted against the deferred tax liabilities when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either: i) the same taxable entity; or ii) different taxable entities which intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences except when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination. For taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, a deferred tax liability is recognized unless the parent can control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Future Changes in Accounting Policies The IASB periodically issues new and amended accounting standards. There are no new and amended standards determined to be applicable to Telesat.

Critical Accounting Judgments a

Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates [Abstract]
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES	5. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES Critical judgments in applying accounting policies The following are the critical judgments made in applying the Company’s accounting policies which have the most significant effect on the amounts reported in the financial statements: Deferred Revenue The Company’s accounting policy relating to deferred revenue is described in Note 4. Certain of the Company’s revenue agreements were noted to include a significant financing component. Judgment by management is required to determine the discount rate used in the significant financing component calculation. Lease Liability The Company’s accounting policy relating to leases is described in Note 4. Judgment by management is required in the determination of the likelihood that the lease renewal periods will be exercised as well as the determination of the incremental borrowing rate. Uncertain income tax positions The Company operates in numerous jurisdictions and is subject to country -specific Critical accounting estimates and assumptions The Company makes accounting estimates and assumptions that affect the carrying value of assets and liabilities, reported net income (loss) and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience, current events and other relevant factors, therefore, actual results may differ and differences could be material. The accounting estimates and assumptions critical to the determination of the amounts reported in the financial statements were as follows: Derivative financial instruments measured at fair value Derivative financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value were $32.8 Quoted market values are unavailable for the Company’s financial instruments and, in the absence of an active market, the Company determines fair value for financial instruments based on prevailing market rates (bid and ask prices, as appropriate) for instruments with similar characteristics and risk profiles or internal or external valuation models, such as option pricing models and discounted cash flow analysis, using observable market -based Impairment of goodwill Goodwill represented $2,446.6 Impairment of intangible assets Intangible assets represented $802.8 Employee benefits The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other post -employment -term Share-based compensation The expense for stock options is based on the fair value of the awards granted using the Black -Scholes -Scholes -free Determination of useful life of satellites and finite life intangible assets The estimated useful life and depreciation method for satellites and finite life intangible assets are reviewed annually, with the effect of any changes in estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis. Any change in these estimates may have a significant impact on the amounts reported. Income taxes Management assesses the recoverability of deferred tax assets based upon an estimation of the Company’s projected taxable income using enacted or substantively enacted tax laws, and its ability to utilize future tax deductions before they expire. Actual results could differ from expectations.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Information [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	6. SEGMENT INFORMATION Telesat operates in a single reportable industry segment, in which it provides satellite -based The Company derives revenue from the following services: Broadcast -to-home Enterprise Consulting and other Revenue derived from the above services were as follows: Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Broadcast $ 444,478 $ 455,125 $ 472,751 Enterprise 444,732 428,226 430,343 Consulting and other 21,683 19,581 24,313 Revenue $ 910,893 $ 902,932 $ 927,407 Equipment sales included within the various services were as follows: Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Broadcast $ 233 $ 315 $ 274 Enterprise 8,323 23,639 14,460 Consulting and other — — 389 Total equipment sales $ 8,556 $ 23,954 $ 15,123 Geographic Information Revenue by geographic regions was based on the point of origin of the revenue, which was the destination of the billing invoice, and was allocated as follows: Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Canada $ 395,235 $ 417,692 $ 415,575 United States 329,634 318,779 311,159 Europe, Middle East & Africa 50,911 61,317 80,532 Latin America & Caribbean 73,120 75,011 78,921 Asia & Australia 61,993 30,133 41,220 Revenue $ 910,893 $ 902,932 $ 927,407 For disclosure purposes, the satellites and the intangible assets have been classified based on ownership. Satellites, property and other equipment and intangible assets by geographic regions were allocated as follows: As at December 31, 2019 2018 Canada $ 682,518 $ 821,449 Europe, Middle East & Africa 685,562 775,055 United States 88,360 103,567 All others 2,493 2,968 Satellites, property and other equipment $ 1,458,933 $ 1,703,039 As at December 31, 2019 2018 Canada $ 733,880 $ 734,751 United States 39,395 41,935 Latin America & Caribbean 21,908 25,962 All others 7,608 8,506 Intangible assets $ 802,791 $ 811,154 Other long -term As at December 31, 2019 2018 Canada $ 7,624 $ 6,925 Europe, Middle East & Africa 640 987 Other long-term assets $ 8,264 $ 7,912 Goodwill was not allocated to geographic regions. Major Customers For the years ended December

Operating Expenses

Operating Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
OPERATING EXPENSES	7. OPERATING EXPENSES Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Compensation and employee benefits (a) $ 87,943 $ 98,350 $ 85,135 Other operating expenses (b) 40,332 45,596 42,895 Cost of sales (c) 37,224 41,881 59,657 Operating expenses $ 165,499 $ 185,827 $ 187,687 (a) Compensation and employee benefits included salaries, bonuses, commissions, post -employment -based (b) Other operating expenses included general and administrative expenses, marketing expenses, in -orbit (c) Cost of sales included the cost of third -party

Other Operating (Losses) Gains,

Other Operating (Losses) Gains, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Operating (Losses) Gains, Net [Abstract]
OTHER OPERATING GAINS (LOSSES), NET	8. OTHER OPERATING (LOSSES) GAINS, NET Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Insurance proceeds $ — $ — $ 6,171 Loss on disposal of assets (862 ) (353 ) (269 ) Other — 1,096 — Other operating (losses) gains, net $ (862 ) $ 743 $ 5,902

Interest Expense

Interest Expense	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Interest Expense [Abstract]
INTEREST EXPENSE	9. INTEREST EXPENSE Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Interest on indebtedness $ 239,805 $ 231,015 $ 209,136 Interest on derivative instruments (13,191 ) (7,105 ) 3,071 Interest on satellite performance incentive payments 3,536 4,134 4,750 Interest on significant financing component 25,484 27,374 — Interest on employee benefit plans (Note 30) 1,339 1,488 1,511 Interest on leases 1,288 — — Capitalized interest (Note 16) — (19,120 ) (18,324 ) Interest expense $ 258,261 $ 237,786 $ 200,144

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	10. INCOME TAXES Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Current tax expense $ 71,202 $ 98,841 $ 111,510 Deferred tax recovery (56,080 ) (37,785 ) (31,265 ) Tax expense $ 15,122 $ 61,056 $ 80,245 A reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate, which is a composite of Canadian federal and provincial rates, to the effective income tax rate was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Income (loss) before tax $ 202,320 $ (29,880 ) $ 585,298 Multiplied by the statutory income tax rates 26.56 % 26.59 % 26.60 % 53,736 (7,945 ) 155,689 Income tax recorded at rates different from the Canadian tax rate (13,017 ) (10,823 ) (9,833 ) Permanent differences (6,760 ) 50,458 (36,241 ) Effect on deferred tax balances due to changes in income tax rates (2,829 ) (427 ) (2,120 ) Effect of temporary differences not recognized as deferred tax assets (16,681 ) 35,416 (25,789 ) Previously unrecognized tax losses and credits — (6,110 ) — Other 673 487 (1,461 ) Tax expense $ 15,122 $ 61,056 $ 80,245 Effective income tax rate 7.47 % (204.34 )% 13.71 % The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes are presented below: As at December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets Foreign tax credits $ 5,710 $ 4,245 Corporate interest restriction 11,393 7,176 Financing charges 17,152 — Unrealized foreign exchange losses — 4,488 Deferred revenue 13,071 20,729 Loss carry forwards 29,351 22,316 Employee benefits 8,282 8,374 Other 2,209 1,794 Total deferred tax assets $ 87,168 $ 69,122 As at December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax liabilities Capital assets $ (178,317 ) $ (215,248 ) Intangible assets (237,269 ) (240,595 ) Finance charges — (9,380 ) Unrealized foreign exchange gains (7,932 ) — Total deferred tax liabilities $ (423,518 ) $ (465,223 ) Deferred tax liabilities, net $ (336,350 ) $ (396,101 ) Deferred income tax assets of $12.4 Losses and tax credits Foreign tax credit The Company has recognized Canadian foreign tax credits of $3.5 The Company has United Kingdom foreign tax credits of $4.8 Loss carry forwards The Company has generated Canadian capital gains of $43.9 The Company has tax losses in the United Kingdom of $125.0 -forward The Company also has tax losses carried forward of $2.2 Interest restrictions On April Unused interest deductions may be applied against future taxable income and can be carried forward indefinitely. A deferred tax asset of $11.4 Investments in subsidiaries As at December

Trade and Other Receivables

Trade and Other Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Trade and other receivables [abstract]
TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	11. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES As at December 31, 2019 2018 Trade receivables $ 53,893 $ 44,358 Trade receivables due from related parties (Note 34) — 28 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (1,779 ) (5,136 ) Net trade receivables 52,114 39,250 Other receivables 11,948 6,381 Trade and other receivables $ 64,062 $ 45,631 Allowance for doubtful accounts The movement in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows: Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of year $ 5,136 $ 2,662 Provisions for impaired receivables 604 73 Cumulative effect adjustment (1) — 2,754 Receivables written off (4,899 ) (47 ) Impact of foreign exchange 938 (306 ) Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of year $ 1,779 $ 5,136 ____________ (1) On January 1, 2018, a reclassification of $2.8 million was made from trade receivables to allowance for doubtful accounts as a result of the implementation of IFRS 15. There was no impact on accumulated earnings as a result of this adjustment.

Other Current Financial Assets

Other Current Financial Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Current Financial Assets [Abstract]
OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL ASSETS	12. OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL ASSETS As at December 31, 2019 2018 Security deposits $ 210 $ 147 Derivative assets (Note 28) — 18,632 Other current financial assets $ 210 $ 18,779

Prepaid Expenses And Other Curr

Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Abstract]
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS	13. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS As at December 31, 2019 2018 Prepaid expenses $ 12,896 $ 2,909 Income tax recoverable 26,730 10,329 Inventory (a) 3,556 2,429 Deferred charges (b) 307 475 Other 235 239 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 43,724 $ 16,381 (a) As at December 31, 2019, inventory consisted of $1.4 million of finished goods (December 31, 2018 — $2.2 million) and $2.2 million of work in process (December 31, 2018 — $0.2 million). During the year, $7.0 million was recognized as cost of equipment sales and recorded as an operating expense (December 31, 2018 — $17.7 million, December 31, 2017 — $11.7 million). (b) Deferred charges included deferred financing charges relating to the Revolving Credit Facility (December 31, 2018 — former revolving credit facility).

Other Long-Term Financial Asset

Other Long-Term Financial Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Long Term Financial Assets [Abstract]
OTHER LONG-TERM FINANCIAL ASSETS	14. OTHER LONG-TERM FINANCIAL ASSETS As at December 31, 2019 2018 Long-term receivables $ 18,932 $ 12,170 Security deposits 5,977 9,789 Derivative assets (Note 28) 32,821 33,796 Other long-term financial assets $ 57,730 $ 55,755

Other Long-Term Assets

Other Long-Term Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Long Term Assets [Abstract]
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS	15. OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS As at December 31, 2019 2018 Prepaid expenses $ 640 $ 991 Deferred charges (Note 13) 1,039 753 Income tax recoverable 6,283 5,866 Other 302 302 Other long-term assets $ 8,264 $ 7,912

Satellites, Property and Other

Satellites, Property and Other Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment [Abstract]
SATELLITES, PROPERTY AND OTHER EQUIPMENT	16. SATELLITES, PROPERTY AND OTHER EQUIPMENT Satellites Property and other equipment Right-of-use assets (2) Assets under construction Total Cost as at January 1, 2018 $ 3,180,178 $ 239,220 $ — $ 376,965 $ 3,796,363 Additions — 538 — 78,373 78,911 Cumulative effect adjustment (1) (4,172 ) — — 3,134 (1,038 ) Disposals/retirements — (3,622 ) — — (3,622 ) Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction 448,216 17,229 — (465,445 ) — Impact of foreign exchange 45,348 1,690 — 18,110 65,148 Cost as at December 31, 2018 3,669,570 255,055 — 11,137 3,935,762 Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 3) — (474 ) 26,732 — 26,258 Additions — 797 2,798 7,843 11,438 Disposals/retirements (77,322 ) (7,306 ) (104 ) — (84,732 ) Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction — 7,652 — (7,652 ) — Impact of foreign exchange (39,133 ) (1,486 ) (285 ) (153 ) (41,057 ) Cost as at December 31, 2019 $ 3,553,115 $ 254,238 $ 29,141 $ 11,175 $ 3,847,669 Accumulated depreciation and impairment as at January 1, 2018 $ (1,857,192 ) $ (147,324 ) $ — $ — $ (2,004,516 ) Depreciation (209,987 ) (14,864 ) — — (224,851 ) Cumulative effect adjustment (1) 1,433 — — — 1,433 Disposals/retirements — 3,207 — — 3,207 Impact of foreign exchange (7,050 ) (946 ) — — (7,996 ) Accumulated depreciation and impairment as at December 31, 2018 (2,072,796 ) (159,927 ) — — (2,232,723 ) Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 3) — 92 — — 92 Depreciation (225,675 ) (14,890 ) (2,401 ) — (242,966 ) Disposals/retirements 77,322 6,379 — — 83,701 Impact of foreign exchange 2,328 798 34 — 3,160 Accumulated depreciation and impairment as at December 31, 2019 $ (2,218,821 ) $ (167,548 ) $ (2,367 ) $ — $ (2,388,736 ) Net carrying values As at December 31, 2018 $ 1,596,774 $ 95,128 $ — $ 11,137 $ 1,703,039 As at December 31, 2019 $ 1,334,294 $ 86,690 $ 26,774 $ 11,175 $ 1,458,933 (1) A cumulative effect adjustment was recorded on January 1, 2018, as a result of the implementation of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (2) Right -of-use Certain leases which were signed were not capitalized as at December Substantially all of the Company’s satellites, property and other equipment have been pledged as security as a requirement of the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities and Senior Secured Notes as at December Borrowing costs For the year ended December Impairment No impairment was recognized for the years ended December Joint arrangements Telesat International Limited (“TIL”) and APT entered into agreements relating to the Telstar 18 VANTAGE satellite, which are accounted for as a joint operation, whereby TIL’s interest is 42.5%. Telesat (IOM) Limited (“TIOM”) and Viasat Inc. entered into agreements relating to the ViaSat -1 -1

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	17. INTANGIBLE ASSETS The intangible assets are split between assets with finite and indefinite lives. The indefinite life intangible assets are summarized below. Orbital Trade Intellectual Total indefinite Cost as at January 1, 2018 $ 606,743 $ 17,000 $ 25,738 $ 649,481 Additions — — 21,311 21,311 Disposals/retirements — — — — Impact of foreign exchange 3,252 — — 3,252 Cost as at December 31, 2018 and 609,995 17,000 47,049 674,044 Additions (1) — — 20,137 20,137 Disposals/retirements — — — — Impact of foreign exchange (1,974 ) — (1,364 ) (3,338 ) Cost as at December 31, 2019 $ 608,021 $ 17,000 $ 65,822 $ 690,843 Accumulated impairment as at January 1, 2018 $ (1,100 ) $ — $ — $ (1,100 ) Impairment — — — — Accumulated impairment as at December 31, 2018 and (1,100 ) — — (1,100 ) Impairment — — — — Accumulated impairment as at December 31, 2019 $ (1,100 ) $ — $ — $ (1,100 ) Net carrying values As at December 31, 2018 $ 608,895 $ 17,000 $ 47,049 $ 672,944 As at December 31, 2019 $ 606,921 $ 17,000 $ 65,822 $ 689,743 (1) Additions for intellectual property are net of a reduction related to the government grant of $3.3 The finite life intangible assets are summarized below. Revenue Customer Customer Transponder Concession Other Total finite Cost as at January 1, 2018 $ 235,635 $ 198,314 $ 23,142 $ 16,718 $ 35,590 $ 59 $ 509,458 Additions — — — — 36 — 36 Disposals/retirements — — — — (94 ) — (94 ) Impact of foreign exchange 320 413 — — (2,658 ) — (1,925 ) Cost as at December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019 235,955 198,727 23,142 16,718 32,874 59 507,475 Additions — — — — 162 — 162 Disposals/retirements (11,051 ) — (10,284 ) — (290 ) — (21,625 ) Impact of foreign exchange (1,240 ) (251 ) — — (2,598 ) — (4,089 ) Cost as at December 31, $ 223,664 $ 198,476 $ 12,858 $ 16,718 $ 30,148 $ 59 $ 481,923 Accumulated amortization and impairment as at January 1, 2018 $ (199,423 ) $ (120,142 ) $ (9,225 ) $ (10,942 ) $ (5,079 ) $ (33 ) $ (344,844 ) Amortization (8,020 ) (10,114 ) (2,891 ) (924 ) (2,352 ) (4 ) (24,305 ) Disposals/retirements — — — — 94 — 94 Impact of foreign exchange (327 ) (308 ) — — 425 — (210 ) Accumulated amortization and impairment as at December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019 (207,770 ) (130,564 ) (12,116 ) (11,866 ) (6,912 ) (37 ) (369,265 ) Amortization (7,291 ) (7,495 ) (5,119 ) (1,078 ) (2,291 ) (3 ) (23,277 ) Disposals/retirements 11,051 — 10,284 — 234 — 21,569 Impact of foreign exchange 1,227 142 — — 729 — 2,098 Accumulated amortization and impairment as at December 31, 2019 $ (202,783 ) $ (137,917 ) $ (6,951 ) $ (12,944 ) $ (8,240 ) $ (40 ) $ (368,875 ) Net carrying values As at December 31, 2018 $ 28,185 $ 68,163 $ 11,026 $ 4,852 $ 25,962 $ 22 $ 138,210 As at December 31, 2019 $ 20,881 $ 60,559 $ 5,907 $ 3,774 $ 21,908 $ 19 $ 113,048 The total combined indefinite and finite life intangible assets are summarized below. As at December 31, 2019 As at December 31, 2018 Cost Accumulated Net Cost Accumulated Net Indefinite life intangibles $ 690,843 $ (1,100 ) $ 689,743 $ 674,044 $ (1,100 ) $ 672,944 Finite life intangibles 481,923 (368,875 ) 113,048 507,475 (369,265 ) 138,210 Total intangibles $ 1,172,766 $ (369,975 ) $ 802,791 $ 1,181,519 $ (370,365 ) $ 811,154 The orbital slots represent a right to operate satellites in a given longitudinal coordinate in space, where geostationary orbit may be achieved. They are limited in availability and represent a scarce resource. Usage of orbital slots is licensed through the International Telecommunications Union. Satellite operators can generally expect, with a relatively high level of certainty, continued occupancy of an assigned orbital slot either during the operational life of an existing orbiting satellite or upon replacement by a new satellite once the operational life of the existing orbiting satellite is over. As a result of the expectancy right to maintain the once awarded orbital slots, an indefinite life is typically associated with orbital slots. The Company’s trade name has a long and established history, a strong reputation and has been synonymous with quality and growth within the satellite industry. It has been assigned an indefinite life because of expected ongoing future use. The Company’s intellectual property relates to development relating to its planned LEO constellation. It has been assigned an indefinite life because of anticipated ongoing future use. The following are the remaining useful lives of the intangible assets: Years Revenue backlog 5 Customer relationships 1 to 9 Customer contracts 7 Transponder rights 3 Concession rights 1 to 11 Patent 6 All of the Company’s intangible assets, excluding the intangible assets held in an unrestricted subsidiary, have been pledged as security as a requirement of the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities and Senior Secured Notes as at December Impairment Finite life intangible assets are assessed for impairment at the Company’s CGU level. Indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment at the individual asset level. The annual impairment tests for these assets were performed in the fourth quarters of 2019, 2018 and 2017 in accordance with the policy described in Note 4. No impairment loss was recognized in the years ended December In 2019, the recoverable amount, for indefinite life intangible assets using the income approach, which is equal to the value in use, was calculated using the discount rate of 8.5%. For 2017, the recoverable amount, for indefinite life intangible assets valued using the income approach, which is equal to the fair value less costs of disposal, was calculated using the discount rate of 10%. In 2018, after performing the qualitative assessment, the Company concluded that it is remote that the fair value is less than the carrying amount. Therefore, the quantitative impairment test was not required. Some of the more sensitive assumptions used in the quantitative analysis, including the forecasted cash flows and the discount rate, could have yielded different estimates of the recoverable amount. Actual operating results and the related cash flows of the Company could differ from the estimated operating results and related cash flows used in the impairment analysis, and had different estimates been used, it could have resulted in a different fair value.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Abstract]
GOODWILL	18. GOODWILL The Company carries goodwill at its cost of $2,446.6 Impairment Goodwill is tested for impairment at the entity level because that represents the lowest level at which goodwill supports the Company’s operations and is monitored internally. The annual impairment test on goodwill was performed in the fourth quarters of 2019, 2018, and 2017 in accordance with the policy described in Note 4. In 2019 and 2017, a quantitative assessment of goodwill was performed. The Company’s recoverable amount exceeded the carrying value therefore, no impairment was recognized. The most significant assumptions used in the quantitative impairment test for 2019 and 2017 were as follows: • • • Some of the more sensitive assumptions used in the quantitative analysis, including the forecasted cash flows, discount rate and market multiples, could have yielded different estimates of the recoverable amount. Actual operating results and the related cash flows of the Company could differ from the estimated operating results and related cash flows used in the impairment analysis, and had different estimates been used, it could have resulted in a different fair value. In 2018, after performing the qualitative assessment of goodwill, the Company concluded that it is remote that the fair value is less than the carrying amount. Therefore, the quantitative goodwill impairment test was not required.

Trade and Other Payables

Trade and Other Payables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Trade and other payables [abstract]
TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES	19. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES As at December 31, 2019 2018 Trade payables $ 4,561 $ 3,609 Other payables and accrued liabilities (a) 21,686 27,050 Trade and other payables $ 26,247 $ 30,659 ____________ (a) Other payables and accrued liabilities included payables that are not trade in nature as well as various operating and capital accruals.

Other Current Financial Liabili

Other Current Financial Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Current Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL LIABILITIES	20. OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL LIABILITIES As at December 31, 2019 2018 Derivative liabilities (Note 28) $ 3,206 $ 6 Security deposits 1,277 1,913 Satellite performance incentive payments 9,608 11,645 Interest payable (a) 20,563 8,584 Other 3,627 4,238 Other current financial liabilities $ 38,281 $ 26,386 ____________ (a) Interest payable included interest payable on indebtedness, satellite performance incentive payments, and other current financial liabilities.

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES	21. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES As at December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred revenue (Note 23) $ 65,704 $ 102,645 Decommissioning liabilities (Note 23) 826 1,068 Uncertain tax positions 1,315 1,315 Income taxes payable 118 4,231 Lease liabilities 1,866 — Other 2,486 4,030 Other current liabilities $ 72,315 $ 113,289

Other Long-term Financial Liabi

Other Long-term Financial Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Long-term Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
OTHER LONG-TERM FINANCIAL LIABILITIES	22. OTHER LONG-TERM FINANCIAL LIABILITIES As at December 31, 2019 2018 Derivative liabilities (Note 28) $ 4,710 $ 5,627 Security deposits 458 346 Satellite performance incentive payments 37,343 47,268 Other — 1,280 Other long-term financial liabilities $ 42,511 $ 54,521

Other Long-term Liabilities

Other Long-term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Long-term Liabilities [Abstract]
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	23. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES As at December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred revenue (b) $ 374,642 $ 400,725 Accrued benefit liabilities (Note 30) 32,074 32,235 Uncertain tax positions 175 175 Decommissioning liabilities (a) 2,104 2,043 Lease liabilities (c) 26,716 340 Other long-term liabilities $ 435,711 $ 435,518 (a) The current and long -term (b) Remaining performance obligations, which the Company also refers to as contract revenue backlog (“backlog”), represents the expected future revenue under existing customer contracts, includes both cancellable and non -cancellable The Company expects the backlog as at December 31, 2019 to be recognized as follows (in millions of Canadian dollars): 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total $ 706.3 $ 599.4 $ 470.7 $ 408.0 $ 303.7 $ 790.7 $ 3,278.8 (c) The expected undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities as at December 31, 2019 were as follows: 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter $ 3,124 $ 2,838 $ 2,580 $ 2,519 $ 2,485 $ 28,963 The undiscounted contractual cash flows included $13.8

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Indebtedness [Abstract]
INDEBTEDNESS	24. INDEBTEDNESS As at December 31, 2019 2018 Former senior secured credit facilities (a) Revolving Credit Facility $ — $ — Term Loan B – U.S. Facility (December 31, 2018 – USD $2,326,049) — 3,172,033 8.875% Senior Notes (December 31, 2018 – USD $500,000) (b) — 681,850 Senior Secured Credit Facilities (a) Revolving Credit Facility — — Term Loan B – U.S. Facility (December 31, 2019 – USD $1,908,500) 2,479,142 — Senior Notes (December 31, 2019 – USD $550,000) (c) 714,450 — Senior Secured Notes (December 31, 2019 – USD $400,000) (d) 519,600 — 3,713,192 3,853,883 Less: deferred financing costs and prepayment options (December 31, 2018 – deferred financing costs, interest rate floors, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment) (e) (393 ) (129,655 ) 3,712,799 3,724,228 Less: current indebtedness (24,408 ) (7,888 ) Long-term indebtedness $ 3,688,391 $ 3,716,340 On October On December -leaseback On December On November On November -leaseback In connection with the adoption of IFRS 9 on January -term In March 2018, the Company made a $50 In April 2018, the Company amended the former senior secured credit facilities in which the applicable margin was reduced to 2.50% from 3.00%. This resulted in a gain on repricing of $6.9 (a) The Senior Secured Credit Facilities are secured by substantially all of Telesat’s assets. The Credit Agreement requires Telesat Canada and the Guarantors to comply with a First Lien Net Leverage Ratio if the Revolving Credit Facility is drawn by more than 35% of the Credit Facility amount. As at December Each tranche of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and the former senior secured credit facilities is subject to mandatory principal repayment requirements. For the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the repayment is equal to one quarter of 1% of the value of the initial principal amount and is payable on a quarterly basis commencing on March The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, which were entered into on December (i) A Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Facility”) of up to $200.0 (ii) The U.S. TLB Facility is a USD$1,908.5 -day The former senior secured credit facilities, which were fully repaid on December (i) A Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Facility”) of up to $200.0 (ii) The former U.S. TLB Facility was initially a USD$2,430 -day (b) The former Senior Notes bore interest at an annual rate of 8.875% with interest payments having been made in May and November annually. The total balance of the 8.875% Senior Notes was USD$500 -day (c) The Senior Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 6.5% with interest payments payable in April and October, annually, commencing in April 2020. The 6.5% Senior Notes are due in October 2027 and were entered into on October -day (d) The Senior Secured Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 4.875% with interest payable on June 1 and December -day (e) The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, Senior Notes and Senior Secured Notes included the following deferred financing costs and prepayment options: (i) The U.S. TLB Facility, Senior Notes and Senior Secured Notes were presented on the balance sheet net of related deferred financing costs of $28.3 (ii) The indenture agreement for the Senior Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 28) which were fair valued at the time of debt issuance. The initial fair value impact, as at October (iii) The indenture agreement for the Senior Secured Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 28) which were fair valued at the time of debt issuance. The initial fair value impact, as at December The former senior secured credit facilities and 8.875% Senior Notes included the following deferred financing costs, interest rate floors, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment: (i) The former U.S. TLB Facility and 8.875% Senior Notes were presented on the balance sheet net of related deferred financing costs as at December (ii) The indenture agreement for the 8.875% Senior Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 28) which were fair valued at the time of debt issuance. The initial fair value impact, in November 2016, of the prepayment option related to the 8.875% Senior Notes was an $8.7 (iii) The initial fair value impact, in November 2016, of the interest rate floor on the former U.S. TLB Facility was a decrease to the indebtedness of $25.6 (iv) The former U.S. TLB Facility was presented on the balance sheet net of the net loss/gain on repricing/repayment of $34.2 • • • The short -term -term As at December 31, 2019 2018 Short-term deferred financing costs $ 3,385 $ 15,263 Long-term deferred financing costs 24,934 68,536 $ 28,319 $ 83,799 Short-term interest rate floor $ — $ 3,436 Long-term interest rate floor — 15,165 $ — $ 18,601 Short-term prepayment options $ (3,001 ) $ (942 ) Long-term prepayment options (24,925 ) (5,986 ) $ (27,926 ) $ (6,928 ) Short-term net gain on repricing/repayment $ — $ 6,315 Long-term net gain on repricing/repayment $ — $ 27,868 $ — $ 34,183 Deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment options and net gain on repricing/repayment $ 393 $ 129,655 The outstanding principal balance as at December 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total $ 24.8 $ 24.8 $ 24.8 $ 24.8 $ 24.8 $ 3,589.2 $ 3,713.2

Share Capital

Share Capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share Capital [Abstract]
SHARE CAPITAL	25. SHARE CAPITAL The number of shares and stated value of the outstanding shares were as follows: 2019 2018 As at December 31, Number of Stated Number of Stated Common Shares 74,252,460 $ 26,580 74,252,460 $ 26,580 Voting Participating Preferred Shares 7,034,444 48,246 7,034,444 48,246 Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares 38,477,137 80,059 38,431,311 78,870 Director Voting Preferred Shares 1,000 10 1,000 10 Share capital $ 154,895 $ 153,706 In December 2019, February 2019 and November 2017 dividends were declared and paid on the Director Voting Preferred Shares. In January 2017, 7,000 stock options granted under the Company’s stock incentive plan were exercised for 7,000 Non -Voting In June 2018, 95,363 stock appreciation rights (“Sars”) were exercised for 39,488 Non -Voting In January 2019, 40,269 Sars were exercised for 14,846 Non -Voting In December 2019, 66,667 restricted share units were settled in exchange for 30,980 Non -Voting In January 2017, the Board of Directors approved a cash distribution to shareholders, as a reduction of stated capital, in the amount of approximately $387.2 There were no changes to the rights, privileges or conditions associated to each class of shares. The authorized share capital of the Company is comprised of: (i) an unlimited number of Common Shares, Voting Participating Preferred Shares, Non -Voting -Voting -Voting -based -Voting -Voting Common Shares The holders of the Common Shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend all annual and special meetings of the shareholders of the Company and to one vote in respect of each common share held on all matters at all such meetings, except in respect of a class vote applicable only to the shares of any other class, in respect of which the common shareholders shall have no right to vote. The holders of the Common Shares are entitled to receive dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, and are entitled to share in the distribution of the assets of the Company upon liquidation, winding -up -Voting -for-one Voting Participating Preferred Shares The rights, privileges and conditions of the Voting Participating Preferred Shares are identical in all respects to those of the Common Shares, except for the following: • • -Voting -Voting • -Voting -for-one The Voting Participating Preferred Shares have no par value. Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares The rights, privileges and conditions of the Non -Voting • -Voting -Voting • -Voting -for-one The Non -Voting Director Voting Preferred Shares The rights, privileges and conditions of the Director Voting Preferred Shares are identical in all respects to those of the Common Shares, except for the following: • • -cumulative -Voting -Voting • The Director Voting Preferred Shares have a nominal stated value.

Government Grant

Government Grant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Government Grant [Abstract]
Government Grant	26. GOVERNMENT GRANT In May 2019, Telesat entered into an agreement for a non -refundable For the year ended December

Capital Disclosures

Capital Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Capital Disclosures [Abstract]
CAPITAL DISCLOSURES	27. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES Telesat is a privately held company. The Company’s financial strategy is designed to maintain compliance with the financial covenant under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities (December The Company defines its capital as shareholders’ equity (comprising issued share capital, accumulated earnings and excluding reserves) and debt financing (comprising indebtedness and excluding deferred financing costs and prepayment options (December The Company’s capital at the end of the year was as follows: As at December 31, 2019 2018 Shareholders’ equity (excluding reserves) $ 1,185,950 $ 997,307 Debt financing (excluding deferred financing costs and prepayment options (December 31, 2018 – deferred financing costs, prepayment option, interest rate floor and net gain on repricing/repayment)) $ 3,713,192 $ 3,853,883 If the Revolving Facility is drawn by more than 35% of the credit facility amount, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities require Telesat Canada to comply with a first lien net leverage ratio test. As at December The Company’s operating results are tracked against budget on a regular basis, and this analysis is reviewed by senior management. The Company partly manages its interest rate risk due to variable interest rate debt through the use of interest rate swaps (Note 28).

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	28. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Measurement of Risks The Company, through its financial assets and liabilities, is exposed to various risks. The following analysis provides a measurement of risks as at December Credit risk Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial asset will default, resulting in the Company incurring a financial loss. As at December Cash and cash equivalents are invested with high quality investment grade financial institutions and are governed by the Company’s corporate investment policy, which aims to reduce credit risk by restricting investments to high -grade The Company has credit evaluation, approval and monitoring processes intended to mitigate potential credit risks related to trade accounts receivable. The Company’s standard payment terms are 30 days with interest typically charged on balances remaining unpaid at the end of standard payment terms. The Company’s historical experience with customer defaults has been minimal. As at December The Company mitigates the credit risk associated with derivative instruments by entering into them with only high quality financial institutions. Foreign exchange risk The Company’s operating results are subject to fluctuations as a result of exchange rate variations to the extent that transactions are made in currencies other than Canadian dollars. The Company’s main currency exposures lie in its U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and indebtedness with the most significant impact being on the U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness. As at December As at December Interest rate risk The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash and cash equivalents and its indebtedness. The interest rate risk on the indebtedness is from a portion of the indebtedness having a variable interest rate. Changes in the interest rates could impact the amount of interest that the Company is required to pay or receive. In October 2017, the Company entered into four interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk associated with the variable interest rate on $1,800.0 If the interest rates on the unhedged variable rate indebtedness change by 0.25%, excluding the potential impact of interest rate floors, the result would be an increase or decrease to net income (loss) of $2.0 Liquidity risk The Company maintains credit facilities to ensure it has sufficient funds available to meet current and foreseeable financial requirements. The contractual maturities of financial liabilities as at December Carrying Contractual s h flows 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Trade and other payables $ 26,247 $ 26,247 $ 26,247 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Customer and 1,735 1,735 1,277 135 18 104 — 201 Satellite 47,433 59,752 11,495 9,487 8,534 7,674 5,448 17,114 Other financial liabilities 3,659 3,263 3,263 — — — — — Interest rate 7,916 1,181 141 598 442 — — — Indebtedness (1) 3,733,241 5,067,951 221,928 212,311 211,147 209,983 209,059 4,003,523 $ 3,820,231 $ 5,160,129 $ 264,351 $ 222,531 $ 220,141 $ 217,761 $ 214,507 $ 4,020,838 (1) Indebtedness excludes deferred financing costs and prepayment options. The interest payable and interest payments included in the carrying value and contractual cash flows, respectively, in the above table, were as follows: Interest Interest payments Satellite performance incentive payments $ 482 $ 12,513 Other financial liabilities $ 31 $ 31 Indebtedness $ 20,050 $ 1,354,759 Financial assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheets and the fair value hierarchy levels used to calculate those values were as follows: As at December 31, 2019 FVTPL Amortized cost Total Fair value Fair value Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 1,027,222 $ 1,027,222 $ 1,027,222 Level 1 Trade and other receivables — 64,062 64,062 64,062 ​ (3) Other current financial assets — 210 210 210 Level 1 Other long-term financial assets (1) 32,821 24,909 57,730 57,730 Level 1, Trade and other payables — (26,247 ) (26,247 ) (26,247 ) ​ (3) Other current financial liabilities (3,206 ) (35,075 ) (38,281 ) (40,748 ) Level 2 Other long-term financial liabilities (4,710 ) (37,801 ) (42,511 ) (42,493 ) Level 2 Indebtedness (2) — (3,713,192 ) (3,713,192 ) (3,760,656 ) Level 2 $ 24,905 $ (2,695,912 ) $ (2,671,007 ) $ (2,720,920 ) As at December 31, 2018 FVTPL Amortized cost Total Fair value Fair value Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 768,433 $ 768,433 $ 768,433 Level 1 Trade and other receivables — 45,631 45,631 45,631 ​ (3) Other current financial assets (1) 18,632 147 18,779 18,779 Level 1, Level 2 Other long-term financial assets (1) 33,796 21,959 55,755 55,755 Level 1, Level 2 Trade and other payables — (30,659 ) (30,659 ) (30,659 ) ​ (3) Other current financial liabilities (6 ) (26,380 ) (26,386 ) (29,131 ) Level 2 Other long-term financial liabilities (5,627 ) (48,894 ) (54,521 ) (54,733 ) Level 2 Indebtedness (2) — (3,853,883 ) (3,853,883 ) (3,709,695 ) Level 2 $ 46,795 $ (3,123,646 ) $ (3,076,851 ) $ (2,935,620 ) (1) Other current and long -term (2) Indebtedness excludes deferred financing costs and prepayment options (December 31, 2018 – deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment). (3) Trade and other receivables and trade and other payables approximate fair value due to the short -term Assets pledged as security The Senior Secured Credit Facilities and Senior Secured Notes are secured by substantially all of Telesat’s assets excluding the assets of unrestricted subsidiaries. Fair Value Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market under current market conditions at the measurement date. Where possible, fair values are based on the quoted market values in an active market. In the absence of an active market, the Company determines fair values based on prevailing market rates (bid and ask prices, as appropriate) for instruments with similar characteristics and risk profiles or internal or external valuation models, such as option pricing models and discounted cash flow analysis, using observable market -based The fair value hierarchy is as follows: Level 1 is based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access at the measurement date. Level 2 is based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially all of the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. Estimates of fair values are affected significantly by the assumptions for the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and discount rates, which all reflect varying degrees of risk. Potential income taxes and other expenses that would be incurred on disposition of these financial instruments are not reflected in the fair values. As a result, the fair values are not necessarily the net amounts that would be realized if these instruments were actually settled. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables approximate fair value due to the short -term -term The fair value of the satellite performance incentive payments, included in other current and long -term The fair value of the indebtedness was based on transactions and quotations from third parties considering market interest rates and excluding deferred financing costs and prepayments options (December As at December 31, 2019 2018 Term Loan B – U.S. Facility – former senior secured credit facilities —% 94.50% Term Loan B – U.S. Facility – Senior Secured Credit Facilities 100.25% —% 8.875% Senior Notes —% 104.44% Senior Notes 104.25% —% Senior Secured Notes 102.10% —% Fair value of derivative financial instruments Derivatives were valued using a discounted cash flow methodology. The calculations of the fair value of the derivatives are performed on a recurring basis. Interest rate swap future cash flows were determined based on current yield curves and exchange rates and then discounted based on discount curves. Prepayment option cash flows were calculated with a third party option valuation model which is based on the current price of the debt instrument and discounted based on a discount curve. Interest rate floor cash flows were calculated using the Black Scholes option valuation model in Bloomberg and discounted based on discount curves. The discount rates used to discount cash flows as at December The fair value of the derivative assets and liabilities was calculated based on the level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The current and long -term As at December 31, 2019 Other Other Other Other Total Interest rate swaps $ — $ — $ (3,206 ) $ (4,710 ) $ (7,916 ) Prepayment options — 32,821 — — 32,821 $ — $ 32,821 $ (3,206 ) $ (4,710 ) $ 24,905 As at December 31, 2018 Other Other Other Other Total Interest rate floor $ — $ — $ (6 ) $ (5,627 ) $ (5,633 ) Interest rate swaps 18,632 16,650 — — 35,282 Prepayment option — 17,146 — — 17,146 $ 18,632 $ 33,796 $ (6 ) $ (5,627 ) $ 46,795 The reconciliation of the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities was as follows: Fair value, December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 $ 59,357 Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives Interest rate floor 255 Prepayment option (30,691 ) Interest rate swaps 12,231 Impact of foreign exchange 5,643 Fair value, December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019 46,795 Derivatives recognized at inception Prepayment option – Senior Notes (Note 24) 17,829 Prepayment option – Senior Secured Notes (Note 24) 10,562 Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives Interest rate floor 5,368 Prepayment options (12,391 ) Interest rate swaps (42,649 ) Impact of foreign exchange (609 ) Fair value, December 31, 2019 $ 24,905

Share-Based Compensation Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	29. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Telesat Canada Stock Incentive Plans In September 2008 and April 2013, Telesat adopted share -based -Voting Year authorized Quantity 2008 8,824,646 2013 4,036,729 2015 62,404 2017 350,000 2018 3,280,000 2019 500,000 Of the stock options authorized and issued in 2018, 780,000 vest over three -year -year In addition, in 2018, Telesat authorized the issuance of 200,000 restricted share units expected to be settled in Non -Voting -year Under the stock incentive plans, two different types of stock options can be granted: time -vesting -vesting -vesting -year -vesting -year -Voting In August 2017, Telesat authorized the exchange of 805,835 performance -vesting -vesting -vesting -vesting -vesting -year The Company expenses the fair value of stock options that are expected to vest over the vesting period using the Black -Scholes -based In connection with the $387.2 The change in number of stock options outstanding and their weighted average exercise price were as follows: Time vesting option plans Performance vesting Number of Weighted Number o f Weighted Outstanding at December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 3,464,197 $ 24.85 476,410 $ 11.07 Granted 3,692,372 — Forfeited (2,650 ) — Exercised (Note 25) (51,055 ) (44,308 ) Expired — — Outstanding at December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019 7,102,864 $ 25.56 432,102 $ 11.07 Granted 522,372 — Forfeited (62,499 ) — Exercised (Note 25) (18,120 ) (22,149 ) Expired — — Outstanding at December 31, 2019 7,544,617 $ 25.63 409,953 $ 11.07 The movement in the number of restricted share units outstanding was as follows: Outstanding, January 1, 2018 — Granted 200,000 Outstanding, December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019 200,000 Settled (66,667 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2019 133,333 The quantity of stock options that are exercisable and the weighted average remaining life were as follows: As at December 31, 2019 2018 Time vesting option plans 4,762,335 3,689,117 Performance vesting option plans 409,953 432,102 Weighted average remaining life 7 years 7 years The share -based Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Operating expenses $ 16,035 $ 29,505 $ 2,856 The weighted average assumptions used to determine the share -based -Scholes 2019 2018 2017 Dividend yield — % — % — % Expected volatility 32.4 % 31.7 % 24.6 % Risk-free interest rate 2.93 % 2.94 % 1.83 % Expected life (years) 10 10 10 The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility. The weighted average fair value of the stock options granted during 2019 was $12.84 (2018 – weighted average fair value of the stock options and restricted share units was $13.37). There were no restricted share units granted in 2019.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	30. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS The expenses included on the consolidated statements of income (loss) and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) were as follows: Pension plans Other post-employment Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Consolidated statements of income (loss) Operating expenses $ 6,198 $ 6,345 $ 6,239 $ 116 $ 276 $ 243 Interest expense $ 524 $ 658 $ 650 $ 815 $ 830 $ 861 Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) Actuarial (gains) losses on employee benefit plans $ (3,325 ) $ (4,555 ) $ 3,761 $ 2,191 $ (3,200 ) $ 1,410 In October 2013, the Company ceased to allow new employees to join certain defined benefit plans, except under certain circumstances, and commenced a defined contribution pension plan for new employees. The Company made contributions of $1.2 The Company’s funding policy is to make contributions to its defined benefit pension funds based on actuarial cost methods as permitted and required by pension regulatory bodies. Contributions reflect actuarial assumptions concerning future investment returns, salary projections and future service benefits. Plan assets are represented primarily by Canadian and foreign equity securities, fixed income instruments and short -term The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for some of its retired employees and their dependents. Participants are eligible for these benefits generally when they retire from active service and meet the eligibility requirements for the pension plan. These benefits are funded primarily on a pay -as-you-go The balance sheet obligations, distributed between pension and other post -employment -term As at December 31, 2019 2018 Pension benefits $ 8,566 $ 10,905 Other post-employment benefits 23,508 21,330 Accrued benefit liabilities $ 32,074 $ 32,235 The amounts recognized in the balance sheets and the funded statuses of the benefit plans were as follows: 2019 2018 As at December 31, Pension Other Pension Other Present value of funded obligations $ 331,737 $ — $ 292,914 $ — Fair value of plan assets (324,257 ) — (283,064 ) — 7,480 — 9,850 — Present value of unfunded obligations 1,086 23,508 1,055 21,330 Accrued benefit liabilities $ 8,566 $ 23,508 $ 10,905 $ 21,330 The changes in the benefit obligations and in the fair value of plan assets were as follows: Pension Other Total Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligation, January 1, 2019 $ 293,969 $ 21,330 $ 315,299 Current service cost 5,701 116 5,817 Interest expense 11,241 815 12,056 Remeasurements Actuarial losses arising from plan experience 1,773 235 2,008 Actuarial losses from change in demographic assumptions — 16 16 Actuarial losses from changes in financial assumptions 28,531 1,940 30,471 Benefits paid (9,483 ) (758 ) (10,241 ) Contributions by plan participants 1,091 — 1,091 Foreign exchange — (186 ) (186 ) Benefit obligation, December 31, 2019 332,823 23,508 356,331 Change in fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets, January 1, 2019 (283,064 ) — (283,064 ) Contributions by plan participants (1,091 ) — (1,091 ) Contributions by employer (5,736 ) (758 ) (6,494 ) Interest income (10,717 ) — (10,717 ) Benefits paid 9,483 758 10,241 Remeasurements Return on plan assets, excluding interest income (33,629 ) — (33,629 ) Administrative costs 497 — 497 Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2019 (324,257 ) — (324,257 ) Accrued benefit liabilities, December 31, 2019 $ 8,566 $ 23,508 $ 32,074 Pension Other Total Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligation, January 1, 2018 $ 307,781 $ 23,896 $ 331,677 Current service cost 5,905 276 6,181 Interest expense 10,836 830 11,666 Remeasurements Actuarial gains arising from plan experience (1,018 ) (701 ) (1,719 ) Actuarial gains from change in demographic assumptions (8,363 ) (1,072 ) (9,435 ) Actuarial gains from changes in financial assumptions (13,125 ) (1,427 ) (14,552 ) Benefits paid (9,190 ) (743 ) (9,933 ) Contributions by plan participants 1,146 — 1,146 Foreign exchange — 297 297 Other (3 ) (26 ) (29 ) Benefit obligation, December 31, 2018 293,969 21,330 315,299 Change in fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets, January 1, 2018 (291,612 ) — (291,612 ) Contributions by plan participants (1,146 ) — (1,146 ) Contributions by employer (7,709 ) (743 ) (8,452 ) Interest income (10,178 ) — (10,178 ) Benefits paid 9,190 743 9,933 Remeasurements Return on plan assets, excluding interest income 17,951 — 17,951 Administrative costs 440 — 440 Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2018 (283,064 ) — (283,064 ) Accrued benefit liabilities, December 31, 2018 $ 10,905 $ 21,330 $ 32,235 The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation as at December -employment -employment The estimated future benefit payments for the defined benefit pension plans and other post -employment Pension Other 2020 $ 10,848 $ 861 2021 $ 11,451 $ 894 2022 $ 12,007 $ 929 2023 $ 12,649 $ 964 2024 $ 13,368 $ 1,000 2025 to 2029 $ 76,594 $ 6,409 Benefit payments include obligations to 2029 only as obligations beyond this date are not quantifiable. The fair value of the plan assets were allocated as follows between the various types of investments: As at December 31, 2019 2018 Equity securities Canada 22.3 % 20.8 % United States 19.8 % 12.7 % International (other than United States) 14.1 % 18.1 % Fixed income instruments Canada 41.2 % 45.7 % Cash and cash equivalents Canada 2.6 % 2.7 % Plan assets are valued at the measurement date of December 31 each year. The investments are made in accordance with the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures. The Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures is reviewed on an annual basis by the Management Level Pension Fund Investment Committee with approval of the policy being provided by the Audit Committee. The following are the significant assumptions adopted in measuring the Company’s pension and other benefit obligations: As at December 31, Pension Other Pension Other Actuarial benefit obligation Discount rate 3.20 % 2.95% to 3.20% 3.80 % 3.80% to 4.00% Benefit costs for the year ended Discount rate 3.90 % 3.90% to 4.00% 3.60 % 3.25% to 3.60% Future salary growth 2.50 % N/A 2.50 % N/A Health care cost trend rate N/A 3.49% to 5.49% N/A 4.50% Other medical trend rates N/A 4.00% to 4.56% N/A 4.50% For certain Canadian post -retirement Sensitivity of assumptions The calculation of the defined benefit obligation is sensitive to the assumptions set out above. The following table summarizes how the impact on the defined benefit obligation as at December Pension Other As at December 31, 2019 1% increase 1% decrease 1% increase 1% decrease Discount rate $ (45,385 ) $ 57,745 $ (2,751 ) $ 3,576 Future salary growth $ 9,856 $ (8,874 ) N/A N/A Medical and dental trend rates N/A N/A $ 2,018 $ (1,531 ) Pension Other As at December 31, 2018 1% increase 1% decrease 1% increase 1% decrease Discount rate $ (39,145 ) $ 49,361 $ (2,471 ) $ 3,224 Future salary growth $ 7,572 $ (6,919 ) N/A N/A Medical and dental trend rates N/A N/A $ 1,703 $ (1,280 ) The above sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. Changes in amounts based on a one percent variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in amounts may not be linear. The sensitivities have been calculated independently of changes in other key variables. Changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which could amplify or reduce certain sensitivities. The Company expects to make contributions of $5.1

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	31. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash and cash equivalents were comprised of the following: As at December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Cash $ 542,537 $ 342,874 $ 388,372 Short-term investments (1) 484,685 425,559 90,673 Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,027,222 $ 768,433 $ 479,045 (1) Consisted of short -term Income taxes paid, net of income taxes received was comprised of the following: Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Income taxes paid $ (101,952 ) $ (109,193 ) $ (85,503 ) Income taxes received 6,497 2,885 22,512 $ (95,455 ) $ (106,308 ) $ (62,991 ) Interest paid, net of capitalized interest and interest received was comprised of the following: Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Interest paid $ (195,671 ) $ (207,339 ) $ (219,773 ) Interest received 19,559 11,802 6,201 Capitalized interest — 19,120 18,324 $ (176,112 ) $ (176,417 ) $ (195,248 ) The reconciliation of the liabilities arising from financing activities was as follows: Indebtedness Satellite performance incentive payments Lease Balance as at January 1, 2019 $ 3,724,228 $ 58,913 $ 369 Cash outflows (3,743,465 ) (9,644 ) (1,252 ) Cash inflows 3,786,082 — — Write-off of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment (Note 24) 107,065 — — Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment options and net gain on repricing/repayment 22,461 — — Debt issue costs (28,082 ) — — Debt issue costs accrued (573 ) Prepayment option at inception – Senior Notes 17,829 — — Prepayment option at inception – Senior Secured Notes 10,562 — — Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 3) — — 26,851 Non-cash additions — — 2,775 Interest paid — — (984 ) Interest accrued — — 1,288 Other — 296 (236 ) Impact of foreign exchange (183,308 ) (2,614 ) (229 ) Balance as at December 31, 2019 $ 3,712,799 $ 46,951 $ 28,582 Indebtedness Satellite performance incentive payments Capital Balance as at January 1, 2018 $ 3,543,377 $ 62,961 $ 369 Debt repricing costs (10,190 ) — — Cash outflows (94,951 ) (9,037 ) (29 ) Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment 22,497 — — Loss on voluntary payment (Note 24) 2,828 — — Gain on repricing (Note 24) (6,901 ) — — Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 24) (36,072 ) — — Other — 191 — Impact of foreign exchange 303,640 4,798 29 Balance as at December 31, 2018 $ 3,724,228 $ 58,913 $ 369 Indebtedness Satellite performance incentive payments Capital Balance as at January 1, 2017 (1) $ 3,856,097 $ 75,985 $ 422 Debt issue costs (42,867 ) — — Cash outflows (31,620 ) (8,436 ) (30 ) Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor and prepayment option 14,988 — — Other — 18 2 Impact of foreign exchange (253,221 ) (4,606 ) (25 ) Balance as at December 31, 2017 $ 3,543,377 $ 62,961 $ 369 (1) Balance of the indebtedness as at January 1, 2017, included $4,459 of accrued debt issue costs associated with the November 2016 refinancing which were paid in 2017. The net change in operating assets and liabilities was comprised of the following: As at December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Trade and other receivables $ (16,113 ) $ 22,056 $ (13,272 ) Financial assets (3,897 ) (210 ) 3,975 Other assets (13,183 ) 371 12,848 Trade and other payables 1,685 (4,695 ) 6,947 Financial liabilities (2,125 ) (1,026 ) (13,748 ) Other liabilities 19,691 72,317 51,502 $ (13,942 ) $ 88,813 $ 48,252 Non -cash Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Satellites, property and other equipment $ 29,234 $ 3,795 $ 9,515 Intangible assets $ (3,263 ) $ 3,635 $ (128

Commitments and Contingent Liab

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	32. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES The following were the Company’s off -balance 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total Property leases $ 1,087 $ 1,242 $ 1,032 $ 1,000 $ 1,001 $ 13,149 $ 18,511 Capital commitments 15,510 21,628 4,807 — — — 41,945 Other operating commitments 20,532 12,052 4,557 3,435 2,703 5,467 48,746 $ 37,129 $ 34,922 $ 10,396 $ 4,435 $ 3,704 $ 18,616 $ 109,202 Property leases consisted of off -balance -balance -cancellable Certain variable costs associated with the capitalized leases have been included in property leases commitments with a termination date co -terminus The Company has entered into contracts for the development of the LEO constellation and other capital expenditures. The total outstanding commitments as at December The Company has agreements with various customers for prepaid revenue on several service agreements which take effect when the satellite is placed in service. The Company is responsible for operating and controlling these satellites. As at December -term In the normal course of business, the Company has executed agreements that provide for indemnification and guarantees to counterparties in various transactions. These indemnification undertakings and guarantees may require the Company to compensate the counterparties for costs and losses incurred as a result of certain events including, without limitation, loss or damage to property, change in the interpretation of laws and regulations (including tax legislation), claims that may arise while providing services, or as a result of litigation that may be suffered by the counterparties. The nature of substantially all of the indemnification undertakings prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount the Company could be required to pay counterparties as the agreements do not specify a maximum amount and the amounts are dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. Historically, the Company has not made any significant payments under such indemnifications. Telesat and Loral have entered into an indemnification agreement whereby Loral will indemnify Telesat for tax liabilities for taxation years prior to 2007 related to Loral Skynet operations. Likewise, Telesat will indemnify Loral for the settlement of tax receivables for taxation years prior to 2007. Legal Proceedings The Company participates from time to time in legal proceedings arising in the normal course of its business. Telesat has previously received assessments from the Brazil tax authorities alleging that additional taxes are owed on revenue earned for the period 2003 to 2012 in the amount of $36.8 The Canadian taxing authorities have assessed the Company for $9 -term Other than the legal proceedings disclosed above, the Company is not aware of any proceedings outstanding or threatened as of the date hereof by or against it or relating to its business which may have, or have had in the recent past, significant effects on the Company’s financial position or profitability.

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsidiaries [Abstract]
SUBSIDIARIES	33. SUBSIDIARIES The list of significant companies included in the scope of consolidation as at December Company Country Method of Consolidation % voting rights Infosat Communications LP Canada Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Spectrum General Partnership Canada Fully consolidated 100 10680451 Canada Inc. Canada Fully consolidated 100 Skynet Satellite Corporation United States Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Network Services, Inc. United States Fully consolidated 100 The SpaceConnection Inc. United States Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Satellite LP United States Fully consolidated 100 Infosat Able Holdings, Inc. United States Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Brasil Capacidade de Satélites Ltda. Brazil Fully consolidated 100 Telesat (IOM) Limited Isle of Man Fully consolidated 100 Telesat International Limited United Kingdom Fully consolidated 100 The percentage of voting rights and method of consolidation were the same as at December

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Related party transactions [abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	34. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Company’s immediate shareholders are Red Isle Private Investment Inc. (“Red Isle”), a company incorporated in Canada, Loral Holdings Corporation (“Loral Holdings”), a company incorporated in the United States and various individuals. Red Isle is wholly -owned -owned Transactions with subsidiaries The Company and its subsidiaries regularly engage in inter -group Special cash distribution Effective January Compensation of executives and Board level directors Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Short-term benefits (including salaries) $ 11,051 $ 16,853 $ 10,037 Special payments (1) 948 2,904 9,006 Post-employment benefits 2,773 2,510 2,458 Share-based payments 15,649 29,016 2,820 $ 30,421 $ 51,283 $ 24,321 (1) Balance relates to the special cash distribution effective January 25, 2017. Key management personnel — stock options In August 2017, Telesat authorized the exchange of 805,835 performance -vesting -vesting -vesting -vesting -vesting -year In June 2018, 95,363 stock appreciation rights were exercised by a member of key management personnel for 39,488 Non -Voting During 2018, Telesat issued 3,630,000 time -vesting -year -year -year -Voting During 2019, Telesat issued 500,000 time -vesting -year In January 2019, 40,269 -Voting In December 2019, 66,667 restricted share units were settled in exchange for 30,980 Non -Voting Transactions with related parties The Company and certain of its subsidiaries regularly engage in transactions with related parties. The Company’s related parties include Loral and Red Isle. The transactions have been entered into over the normal course of operations. There were no transactions or balances with Red Isle during any of the years presented. During the years presented below, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into the following transactions with Loral. Sale of goods and services, Purchase of goods and services, Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Revenue $ 133 $ 128 $ 128 $ — $ — $ — Operating expenses $ — $ — $ — $ 6,645 $ 6,456 $ 6,518 The following balances were outstanding with Loral at the end of the years presented below: Amounts owed by related parties Amounts owed to related parties At December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Current receivables/payables $ — $ 28 $ 204 $ — The amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled in cash. Other related party transactions The Company funds certain defined benefit pension plans. Contributions made to the plans for the year ended December

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company operates in a single operating segment, in which it provides satellite -based
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation Unless otherwise specified, all figures reported in the consolidated financial statements and associated note disclosures are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the functional and presentation currency of the Company. Each of the subsidiaries of the Company determines its own functional currency and uses that currency to measure items on their separate financial statements. For the Company’s non -foreign -monetary Upon consolidation of the Company’s foreign operations that have a functional currency other than the Canadian dollar, assets and liabilities are translated at the year end exchange rate, and revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates of the month in which the transactions occurred. Gains or losses on the translation of foreign subsidiaries are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, or which are available upon demand with no penalty for early redemption, are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash on hand, demand deposits, short -term
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Telesat recognizes revenue from satellite services on a monthly basis as services are performed in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services. Telesat accounts for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability is considered probable. Revenue from a contract to sell consulting services is recognized as follows: • • Equipment sale revenue is recognized when the customer obtains control of the equipment, being at the time the equipment is delivered to and accepted by the customer. Only equipment sales are subject to warranty or return and there is no general right of return. Historically, the Company has not incurred significant expenses for warranties. When a transaction involves more than one product or service, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative stand -alone
Deferred Revenue	Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue represents the Company’s liability for the provision of future services and is classified on the balance sheet in other current and long -term -line -term A significant financing component will only occur in the following circumstances: • • • In the case of the existence of a significant financing component, the amount of the consideration is adjusted to reflect what the cash selling price of the promised service would have been if payments had occurred as control of the service was transferred to the customer. The discount rate used in determining the significant financing component is the rate that would be reflected in a separate financing transaction between the Company and the customer at contract inception.
Borrowing Costs	Borrowing Costs Borrowing costs are incurred on the Company’s debt financing. Borrowing costs attributable to the acquisition, production or construction of a qualifying asset are added to the cost of that asset. The Company has defined a qualifying asset as an asset that takes longer than twelve months to be ready for its intended use or sale. Capitalization of borrowing costs continues until such time that the asset is substantially ready for its intended use or sale. Borrowing costs are determined based on specific financing related to the asset, or in the absence of specific financing, the borrowing costs are calculated on the basis of a capitalization rate which is equal to the Company’s weighted average cost of debt. All other borrowing costs are expensed when incurred.
Leases	Leases At the inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease based on whether or not the contract conveys the right to control the use of the asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company recognizes a right -of-use -of-use -of-use The lease term is the non -cancellable After the commencement date, the right -of-use -line The lease liability is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments, arising from a change in index or rate, or if there is a change in the assessment of whether the Company will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. The amount of the remeasurement of the lease liability is also recognized as an adjustment to the right -of-use -of-use The Company has elected to not recognize a right -of-use -line The Company has also elected the practical expedient, for property leases, not to separate the non -lease -lease
Government Grants	Government Grants Government grants are recognized where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the attached conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense, the grant is recorded as a deduction to the related expense incurred over the same period. When the grant relates to an asset, the grant is deducted from the carrying amount of the related asset as the grant is receivable.
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment	Satellites, Property and Other Equipment Satellites, property and other equipment, which are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses, include the contractual cost of equipment, capitalized engineering costs, capitalized borrowing costs during the construction or production of qualifying assets, and with respect to satellites, the cost of launch services, and launch insurance. Depreciation is calculated using the straight -line Below are the estimated useful lives in years of satellites, property and other equipment as at December Years Satellites 12 to 15 Right-of-use assets 1 to 27 Property and other equipment 3 to 30 Construction in progress is not depreciated as depreciation only commences when the asset is ready for its intended use. For satellites, depreciation commences on the day the satellite becomes available for service. The investment in each satellite will be removed from the accounts when the satellite is retired. When other property is retired from operations at the end of its useful life, the cost of the asset and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Earnings are credited with the amount of any net salvage value and charged with any net cost of removal. When an asset is sold prior to the end of its useful life, the gain or loss is recognized immediately in other operating (losses) gains, net. In the event of an unsuccessful launch or total in -orbit -orbit Liabilities related to decommissioning and restoration of retiring property and other equipment are measured at fair value with a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related asset. The liability is accreted over the period of expected cash flows with a corresponding charge to interest expense. The liabilities recorded to date have not been significant and are reassessed at the end of each reporting period. There are no decommissioning or restoration obligations for satellites.
Satellite Performance Incentive Payments	Satellite Performance Incentive Payments Satellite performance incentive payments are obligations payable to satellite manufacturers over the lives of certain satellites. The present value of the payments are capitalized as part of the cost of the satellite and recognized as part of the depreciation of the satellite.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Tangible fixed assets and finite life intangible assets are assessed for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset exceeds the recoverable amount. Tangible fixed assets and finite life intangible assets are also assessed for indicators of impairment or impairment reversals at each reporting period. In cases where there are indicators of impairment, the recoverable amount of the asset, which is the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use, is determined. If it is not possible to measure the recoverable amount for a particular asset, the Company determines the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit (“CGU”) with which it is associated. A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. The Company measures value in use on the basis of the estimated future cash flows to be generated by an asset or CGU. These future cash flows are based on the Company’s latest business plan information approved by senior management and are discounted using rates that best reflect the time value of money and the specific risks associated with the underlying asset or assets in the CGU. The fair value less costs of disposal is the price that would be received to sell an asset or CGU in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. For the impairment assessment, the fair value is calculated on a recurring basis and is calculated using level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. When an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or a CGU) is increased to the revised measure of its recoverable amount, so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset (or CGU) in prior years. Impairment losses and reversals of impairment losses are recognized in other operating (losses) gains, net.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which establishes specific criteria for the recognition of intangible assets separately from goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess between the total of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets acquired. After initial recognition at cost, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The Company distinguishes intangible assets between assets with finite and indefinite useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are comprised of the Company’s trade name, intellectual property, and orbital slots. These assets are carried at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Finite life intangible assets, which are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses, consist of revenue backlog, customer relationships, customer contracts, concession rights, transponder rights and patents. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight -line Below are the estimated useful lives in years of the finite life intangible assets as at December Years Revenue backlog 17 Customer relationships 6 to 21 Customer contracts 15 Concession rights 5 to 15 Transponder rights 16 Patents
Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite Life Intangible Assets	Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite Life Intangible Assets An assessment for impairment of goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets is performed annually, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets are likely to exceed their recoverable amount. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the entity level as this represents the lowest level within the Company at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, and is not larger than an operating segment. Indefinite life intangible assets have not been allocated to any CGU and are tested for impairment at the asset level. Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are qualitatively assessed for indicators of impairment. If the qualitative assessment concludes an indication of impairment, a quantitative impairment test is performed. A quantitative impairment test consists of assessing the recoverable amount of an asset, which is the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. For the quantitative impairment assessment, fair value is calculated on a recurring basis and is calculated using level 2 or level 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the valuation approach being utilized. Orbital Slots In performing the quantitative orbital slot impairment analysis, the Company determines, for each orbital slot, its fair value less costs of disposal, and its value in use on an annual basis. The higher of these two amounts is determined to be the recoverable amount. To the extent that the recoverable amount is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment exists and the asset is written down to its recoverable amount. The key assumptions used in estimating the recoverable amounts of the orbital slots include: i) the market penetration leading to revenue growth; ii) the profit margin; iii) the duration and profile of the build -up iv) the estimated start -up -up v) the discount rate. Fair value less costs of disposal is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In order to determine the fair value less costs of disposal, the Company uses either a market or income approach. Under a market approach, the Company measures what an independent third party would pay to purchase the orbital slot by looking to actual market transactions for similar assets. Under an income approach, the fair value is determined to be the sum of the projected discounted cash flows over a discrete period of time in addition to the terminal value. The value in use amount is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. The determination of this amount includes projections of cash inflows from the continuing use of the asset and cash outflows that are required to generate the associated cash inflows. These cash inflows are discounted at an appropriate discount rate. Goodwill In performing the quantitative goodwill impairment analysis, the Company assesses the recoverable amount of goodwill using the income approach as well as the market approach in the determination of the fair value of goodwill at the entity level. Under the income approach, the sum of the projected discounted cash flows for the next five years, or a longer period if justified by the most recent financial plan approved by management, in addition to a terminal value are used to determine the fair value at the entity level. In this model, significant assumptions used include: revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, working capital, costs of disposal, terminal growth rate and discount rate. Under the market approach, the fair value at the entity level is determined based on market multiples derived from comparable public companies. As part of this analysis, assumptions are made regarding the comparability of selected companies including revenue, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization multiples for valuation purposes, growth rates, size and overall profitability. Under both approaches, all assumptions used are based on management’s best estimates. The discount rates are consistent with external sources of information. Trade Name For the purposes of quantitative impairment testing, the fair value of the trade name is determined using an income approach, specifically the relief from royalties method. The relief from royalties method is comprised of two major steps: i) a determination of the hypothetical royalty rate; and ii) the subsequent application of the royalty rate to projected revenue. In determining the hypothetical royalty rate in the relief from royalties method, the Company considered comparable license agreements, operating earnings benchmarks, an excess earnings analysis to determine aggregate intangible asset earnings, and other qualitative factors. The key assumptions used include the royalty, tax and discount rates. Intellectual Property In performing the quantitative intellectual property impairment analysis, the Company determines its fair value less costs of disposal, and its value in use on an annual basis. The higher of these two amounts is determined to be the recoverable amount. To the extent that the recoverable amount is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment exists and the asset is written down to its recoverable amount. The Company measures value in use on the basis of the estimated future cash flows to be generated by an asset. These future cash flows are based on the Company’s latest business plan information approved by senior management and are discounted using rates that best reflect the time value of money and the specific risks associated with the underlying asset. Fair value less costs of disposal is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In order to determine the fair value less costs of disposal, the Company uses a market approach. Under a market approach, the Company measures what an independent third party would pay to purchase the intellectual property.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments Financial assets are initially recognized at fair value. Financial assets are measured using one of three measurement approaches (fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”), fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”), or amortized cost). A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it is not designated as FVTPL, it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows and its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. A debt investment is measured at FVTOCI if it is not designated at FVTPL, it is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets and its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amounts outstanding. On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, the Company may irrevocably elect to present subsequent changes in the investment’s fair value in OCI. This election is made on an investment by investment basis. All financial assets not classified as measured at amortized cost or FVTOCI as described above are measured at FVTPL. The following accounting policies apply to the subsequent measurement of the Company’s financial assets: • • Financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Financial liabilities are classified as amortized cost or FVTPL. Financial liabilities that are classified as amortized cost are measured and recorded at amortized cost in accordance with the effective interest method. Financial liabilities classified as FVTPL are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of income (loss) as part of the (loss) gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments. The Company has used derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign exchange risk associated with debt denominated in foreign currencies, as well as to reduce its exposure to interest rate risk associated with debt. Currently, the Company does not designate any of its derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. All realized and unrealized gains and losses on these derivative financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated statement of income (loss) as part of (loss) gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments. Derivatives, including embedded derivatives that must be separately accounted for, are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet at inception and marked to market at each reporting period thereafter. Derivatives embedded in financial liabilities and other non -financial -financial Transaction costs for instruments classified as FVTPL are expensed as incurred. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets and liabilities (other than FVTPL) are added or deducted from the fair value of the financial asset or financial liability on initial recognition. The Company’s financial assets classified as amortized cost and contract assets are subject to impairment requirements. The Company has elected to measure loss allowances for trade receivables and other contract assets at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit loss. The lifetime expected credit losses are the expected credit losses that result from possible default events over the expected life of the instrument.
Financing Costs	Financing Costs The debt issuance costs related to the Senior Secured Credit Facility, the 6.5% Senior Notes and the 4.875% Senior Secured Notes (and former senior secured credit facility and 8.875% Senior Notes) are included in current and long -term -term -term -term -line
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Telesat maintains one contributory and three non -contributory -benefit -employment for employees who are not eligible for the defined benefit pension plans. Costs for defined contribution pension plans are recognized as an expense during the year in which the employees have rendered service entitling them to the Company’s contribution. The Company accrues the present value of its obligations under employee benefit plans and the related costs reduced by the fair value of plan assets. Pension costs and other retirement benefits are determined using the projected unit credit method prorated on service and management’s best estimate of expected investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and expected health care costs. Pension plan assets are valued at fair value. The discount rate is based on the market interest rate of high quality bonds and is consistent with guidance described by Canadian Institute of Actuaries in June 2018 in the Revised Educational Note. Past service costs arising from plan amendments are recognized immediately to the extent that the benefits are already vested, and otherwise are amortized on a straight -line Remeasurements arising from defined benefit pension plans comprise actuarial gains and losses and the return on plan assets (excluding interest). Telesat recognizes them immediately in other comprehensive income (loss), which is included in accumulated earnings, in the year in which they occur. The current service costs and administration fees not related to asset management are included in operating expenses. The net interest expense (income) on the net defined benefit liability (asset) for the period is calculated by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the year to the net defined benefit liability (asset) at the beginning of the year while taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability (asset) during the year as a result of contributions and benefit payments. The net interest expense (income) is included in interest expense. The pension expense for 2019 was determined based on membership data as at December -retirement -retirement Telesat also provides health care and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. These benefits are funded primarily on a pay -as-you-go -insurance
Share-Based Compensation Plans	Share-Based Compensation Plans The Company offers equity -settled -based -Scholes
Restricted Share Units	Restricted Share Units For each restricted share unit (“RSU”), an expense is recorded over the vesting period equal to the fair value of the Non -Voting -Vesting
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income tax expense, comprised of current and deferred income tax, is recognized in income except to the extent it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) or equity, in which case the income tax expense is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) or equity, respectively. Current income tax is measured at the amount expected to be paid to the taxation authorities, net of recoveries, based on the tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted as at the balance sheet date. Deferred taxes are the result of temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilized. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each balance sheet date and recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax assets to be recovered. Deferred tax assets are netted against the deferred tax liabilities when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either: i) the same taxable entity; or ii) different taxable entities which intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences except when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination. For taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, a deferred tax liability is recognized unless the parent can control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Future Changes in Accounting Policies	Future Changes in Accounting Policies The IASB periodically issues new and amended accounting standards. There are no new and amended standards determined to be applicable to Telesat.

Changes in Accounting Policies

Changes in Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Changes in Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of effect, increases (decreases) noted on the adoption of IFRS 16 on the balance sheet	Other current financial assets $ (27 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ (72 ) Satellites, property and other equipment $ 26,350 Other long-term financial assets $ (123 ) Other current liabilities $ 1,069 Other long-term financial liabilities $ (723 ) Other long-term liabilities $ 25,782
Schedule of reconciliation of commitments to lease liabilities	Operating property leases $ 33,837 Leases included in other operating commitments 376 Total leases included in Note 31 of the December 31, 2018 financial statements $ 34,213 Discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate $ 23,844 Adjustments as a result of different treatments of extension and termination options 12,441 Leases not capitalized due to exemptions (551 ) Variable costs included in commitments and contingencies (8,850 ) Lease liabilities as at January 1, 2019 $ 26,884

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of satellites, property and other equipment	Years Satellites 12 to 15 Right-of-use assets 1 to 27 Property and other equipment 3 to 30
Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of finite life intangible assets	Years Revenue backlog 17 Customer relationships 6 to 21 Customer contracts 15 Concession rights 5 to 15 Transponder rights 16 Patents 18

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule of revenue derived from services	Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Broadcast $ 444,478 $ 455,125 $ 472,751 Enterprise 444,732 428,226 430,343 Consulting and other 21,683 19,581 24,313 Revenue $ 910,893 $ 902,932 $ 927,407
Schedule of equipment sales within services	Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Broadcast $ 233 $ 315 $ 274 Enterprise 8,323 23,639 14,460 Consulting and other — — 389 Total equipment sales $ 8,556 $ 23,954 $ 15,123
Schedule by geographic regions	Revenue by geographic regions was based on the point of origin of the revenue, which was the destination of the billing invoice, and was allocated as follows: Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Canada $ 395,235 $ 417,692 $ 415,575 United States 329,634 318,779 311,159 Europe, Middle East & Africa 50,911 61,317 80,532 Latin America & Caribbean 73,120 75,011 78,921 Asia & Australia 61,993 30,133 41,220 Revenue $ 910,893 $ 902,932 $ 927,407 For disclosure purposes, the satellites and the intangible assets have been classified based on ownership. Satellites, property and other equipment and intangible assets by geographic regions were allocated as follows: As at December 31, 2019 2018 Canada $ 682,518 $ 821,449 Europe, Middle East & Africa 685,562 775,055 United States 88,360 103,567 All others 2,493 2,968 Satellites, property and other equipment $ 1,458,933 $ 1,703,039 As at December 31, 2019 2018 Canada $ 733,880 $ 734,751 United States 39,395 41,935 Latin America & Caribbean 21,908 25,962 All others 7,608 8,506 Intangible assets $ 802,791 $ 811,154 Other long -term As at December 31, 2019 2018 Canada $ 7,624 $ 6,925 Europe, Middle East & Africa 640 987 Other long-term assets $ 8,264 $ 7,912

Operating Expenses (Tables)

Operating Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of operating expenses	Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Compensation and employee benefits (a) $ 87,943 $ 98,350 $ 85,135 Other operating expenses (b) 40,332 45,596 42,895 Cost of sales (c) 37,224 41,881 59,657 Operating expenses $ 165,499 $ 185,827 $ 187,687 (a) Compensation and employee benefits included salaries, bonuses, commissions, post -employment -based (b) Other operating expenses included general and administrative expenses, marketing expenses, in -orbit (c) Cost of sales included the cost of third -party

Other Operating (Losses) Gain_2

Other Operating (Losses) Gains, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Operating (Losses) Gains, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of other operating gains (losses), net	Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Insurance proceeds $ — $ — $ 6,171 Loss on disposal of assets (862 ) (353 ) (269 ) Other — 1,096 — Other operating (losses) gains, net $ (862 ) $ 743 $ 5,902

Interest Expense (Tables)

Interest Expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Schedule of interest expense	Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Interest on indebtedness $ 239,805 $ 231,015 $ 209,136 Interest on derivative instruments (13,191 ) (7,105 ) 3,071 Interest on satellite performance incentive payments 3,536 4,134 4,750 Interest on significant financing component 25,484 27,374 — Interest on employee benefit plans (Note 30) 1,339 1,488 1,511 Interest on leases 1,288 — — Capitalized interest (Note 16) — (19,120 ) (18,324 ) Interest expense $ 258,261 $ 237,786 $ 200,144

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of components of income tax expense	Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Current tax expense $ 71,202 $ 98,841 $ 111,510 Deferred tax recovery (56,080 ) (37,785 ) (31,265 ) Tax expense $ 15,122 $ 61,056 $ 80,245
Schedule of reconciliation of statutory income tax rate	A reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate, which is a composite of Canadian federal and provincial rates, to the effective income tax rate was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Income (loss) before tax $ 202,320 $ (29,880 ) $ 585,298 Multiplied by the statutory income tax rates 26.56 % 26.59 % 26.60 % 53,736 (7,945 ) 155,689 Income tax recorded at rates different from the Canadian tax rate (13,017 ) (10,823 ) (9,833 ) Permanent differences (6,760 ) 50,458 (36,241 ) Effect on deferred tax balances due to changes in income tax rates (2,829 ) (427 ) (2,120 ) Effect of temporary differences not recognized as deferred tax assets (16,681 ) 35,416 (25,789 ) Previously unrecognized tax losses and credits — (6,110 ) — Other 673 487 (1,461 ) Tax expense $ 15,122 $ 61,056 $ 80,245 Effective income tax rate 7.47 % (204.34 )% 13.71 %
Schedule of tax effects of temporary differences between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes	The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes are presented below: As at December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets Foreign tax credits $ 5,710 $ 4,245 Corporate interest restriction 11,393 7,176 Financing charges 17,152 — Unrealized foreign exchange losses — 4,488 Deferred revenue 13,071 20,729 Loss carry forwards 29,351 22,316 Employee benefits 8,282 8,374 Other 2,209 1,794 Total deferred tax assets $ 87,168 $ 69,122 As at December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax liabilities Capital assets $ (178,317 ) $ (215,248 ) Intangible assets (237,269 ) (240,595 ) Finance charges — (9,380 ) Unrealized foreign exchange gains (7,932 ) — Total deferred tax liabilities $ (423,518 ) $ (465,223 ) Deferred tax liabilities, net $ (336,350 ) $ (396,101 )

Trade and Other Receivables (Ta

Trade and Other Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Trade and other receivables [abstract]
Schedule of components of trade and other receivables	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Trade receivables $ 53,893 $ 44,358 Trade receivables due from related parties (Note 34) — 28 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (1,779 ) (5,136 ) Net trade receivables 52,114 39,250 Other receivables 11,948 6,381 Trade and other receivables $ 64,062 $ 45,631
Schedule of movement in allowance for doubtful accounts	Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of year $ 5,136 $ 2,662 Provisions for impaired receivables 604 73 Cumulative effect adjustment (1) — 2,754 Receivables written off (4,899 ) (47 ) Impact of foreign exchange 938 (306 ) Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of year $ 1,779 $ 5,136 ____________ (1) On January 1, 2018, a reclassification of $2.8 million was made from trade receivables to allowance for doubtful accounts as a result of the implementation of IFRS 15. There was no impact on accumulated earnings as a result of this adjustment.

Other Current Financial Assets

Other Current Financial Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Current Financial Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of other current financial assets	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Security deposits $ 210 $ 147 Derivative assets (Note 28) — 18,632 Other current financial assets $ 210 $ 18,779

Prepaid Expenses And Other Cu_2

Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of prepaid expenses and other current assets	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Prepaid expenses $ 12,896 $ 2,909 Income tax recoverable 26,730 10,329 Inventory (a) 3,556 2,429 Deferred charges (b) 307 475 Other 235 239 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 43,724 $ 16,381 (a) As at December 31, 2019, inventory consisted of $1.4 million of finished goods (December 31, 2018 — $2.2 million) and $2.2 million of work in process (December 31, 2018 — $0.2 million). During the year, $7.0 million was recognized as cost of equipment sales and recorded as an operating expense (December 31, 2018 — $17.7 million, December 31, 2017 — $11.7 million). (b) Deferred charges included deferred financing charges relating to the Revolving Credit Facility (December 31, 2018 — former revolving credit facility).

Other Long-Term Financial Ass_2

Other Long-Term Financial Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Long Term Financial Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of other long-term financial assets	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Long-term receivables $ 18,932 $ 12,170 Security deposits 5,977 9,789 Derivative assets (Note 28) 32,821 33,796 Other long-term financial assets $ 57,730 $ 55,755

Other Long-Term Assets (Tables)

Other Long-Term Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Long Term Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of other long-term assets	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Prepaid expenses $ 640 $ 991 Deferred charges (Note 13) 1,039 753 Income tax recoverable 6,283 5,866 Other 302 302 Other long-term assets $ 8,264 $ 7,912

Satellites, Property and Othe_2

Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment	Property and other equipment Right-of-use assets (2) Assets under construction Total Cost as at January 1, 2018 $ 3,180,178 $ 239,220 $ — $ 376,965 $ 3,796,363 Additions — 538 — 78,373 78,911 Cumulative effect adjustment (1) (4,172 ) — — 3,134 (1,038 ) Disposals/retirements — (3,622 ) — — (3,622 ) Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction 448,216 17,229 — (465,445 ) — Impact of foreign exchange 45,348 1,690 — 18,110 65,148 Cost as at December 31, 2018 3,669,570 255,055 — 11,137 3,935,762 Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 3) — (474 ) 26,732 — 26,258 Additions — 797 2,798 7,843 11,438 Disposals/retirements (77,322 ) (7,306 ) (104 ) — (84,732 ) Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction — 7,652 — (7,652 ) — Impact of foreign exchange (39,133 ) (1,486 ) (285 ) (153 ) (41,057 ) Cost as at December 31, 2019 $ 3,553,115 $ 254,238 $ 29,141 $ 11,175 $ 3,847,669 Accumulated depreciation and impairment as at January 1, 2018 $ (1,857,192 ) $ (147,324 ) $ — $ — $ (2,004,516 ) Depreciation (209,987 ) (14,864 ) — — (224,851 ) Cumulative effect adjustment (1) 1,433 — — — 1,433 Disposals/retirements — 3,207 — — 3,207 Impact of foreign exchange (7,050 ) (946 ) — — (7,996 ) Accumulated depreciation and impairment as at December 31, 2018 (2,072,796 ) (159,927 ) — — (2,232,723 ) Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 3) — 92 — — 92 Depreciation (225,675 ) (14,890 ) (2,401 ) — (242,966 ) Disposals/retirements 77,322 6,379 — — 83,701 Impact of foreign exchange 2,328 798 34 — 3,160 Accumulated depreciation and impairment as at December 31, 2019 $ (2,218,821 ) $ (167,548 ) $ (2,367 ) $ — $ (2,388,736 ) Net carrying values As at December 31, 2018 $ 1,596,774 $ 95,128 $ — $ 11,137 $ 1,703,039 As at December 31, 2019 $ 1,334,294 $ 86,690 $ 26,774 $ 11,175 $ 1,458,933 ____________ (1) A cumulative effect adjustment was recorded on January 1, 2018, as a result of the implementation of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (2) Right -of-use

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets	Orbital Trade Intellectual Total indefinite Cost as at January 1, 2018 $ 606,743 $ 17,000 $ 25,738 $ 649,481 Additions — — 21,311 21,311 Disposals/retirements — — — — Impact of foreign exchange 3,252 — — 3,252 Cost as at December 31, 2018 and 609,995 17,000 47,049 674,044 Additions (1) — — 20,137 20,137 Disposals/retirements — — — — Impact of foreign exchange (1,974 ) — (1,364 ) (3,338 ) Cost as at December 31, 2019 $ 608,021 $ 17,000 $ 65,822 $ 690,843 Accumulated impairment as at January 1, 2018 $ (1,100 ) $ — $ — $ (1,100 ) Impairment — — — — Accumulated impairment as at December 31, 2018 and (1,100 ) — — (1,100 ) Impairment — — — — Accumulated impairment as at December 31, 2019 $ (1,100 ) $ — $ — $ (1,100 ) Net carrying values As at December 31, 2018 $ 608,895 $ 17,000 $ 47,049 $ 672,944 As at December 31, 2019 $ 606,921 $ 17,000 $ 65,822 $ 689,743 (1) Additions for intellectual property are net of a reduction related to the government grant of $3.3
Schedule of finite life intangible assets	Revenue Customer Customer Transponder Concession Other Total finite Cost as at January 1, 2018 $ 235,635 $ 198,314 $ 23,142 $ 16,718 $ 35,590 $ 59 $ 509,458 Additions — — — — 36 — 36 Disposals/retirements — — — — (94 ) — (94 ) Impact of foreign exchange 320 413 — — (2,658 ) — (1,925 ) Cost as at December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019 235,955 198,727 23,142 16,718 32,874 59 507,475 Additions — — — — 162 — 162 Disposals/retirements (11,051 ) — (10,284 ) — (290 ) — (21,625 ) Impact of foreign exchange (1,240 ) (251 ) — — (2,598 ) — (4,089 ) Cost as at December 31, $ 223,664 $ 198,476 $ 12,858 $ 16,718 $ 30,148 $ 59 $ 481,923 Accumulated amortization and impairment as at January 1, 2018 $ (199,423 ) $ (120,142 ) $ (9,225 ) $ (10,942 ) $ (5,079 ) $ (33 ) $ (344,844 ) Amortization (8,020 ) (10,114 ) (2,891 ) (924 ) (2,352 ) (4 ) (24,305 ) Disposals/retirements — — — — 94 — 94 Impact of foreign exchange (327 ) (308 ) — — 425 — (210 ) Accumulated amortization and impairment as at December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019 (207,770 ) (130,564 ) (12,116 ) (11,866 ) (6,912 ) (37 ) (369,265 ) Amortization (7,291 ) (7,495 ) (5,119 ) (1,078 ) (2,291 ) (3 ) (23,277 ) Disposals/retirements 11,051 — 10,284 — 234 — 21,569 Impact of foreign exchange 1,227 142 — — 729 — 2,098 Accumulated amortization and impairment as at December 31, 2019 $ (202,783 ) $ (137,917 ) $ (6,951 ) $ (12,944 ) $ (8,240 ) $ (40 ) $ (368,875 ) Net carrying values As at December 31, 2018 $ 28,185 $ 68,163 $ 11,026 $ 4,852 $ 25,962 $ 22 $ 138,210 As at December 31, 2019 $ 20,881 $ 60,559 $ 5,907 $ 3,774 $ 21,908 $ 19 $ 113,048
Schedule of indefinite and finite life intangible assets	As at December 31, 2019 As at December 31, 2018 Cost Accumulated Net Cost Accumulated Net Indefinite life intangibles $ 690,843 $ (1,100 ) $ 689,743 $ 674,044 $ (1,100 ) $ 672,944 Finite life intangibles 481,923 (368,875 ) 113,048 507,475 (369,265 ) 138,210 Total intangibles $ 1,172,766 $ (369,975 ) $ 802,791 $ 1,181,519 $ (370,365 ) $ 811,154
Schedule of remaining useful lives of intangible assets	Years Revenue backlog 5 Customer relationships 1 to 9 Customer contracts 7 Transponder rights 3 Concession rights 1 to 11 Patent 6

Trade and Other Payables (Table

Trade and Other Payables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Trade and other payables [abstract]
Schedule of trade and other payables	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Trade payables $ 4,561 $ 3,609 Other payables and accrued liabilities (a) 21,686 27,050 Trade and other payables $ 26,247 $ 30,659 ____________ (a) Other payables and accrued liabilities included payables that are not trade in nature as well as various operating and capital accruals.

Other Current Financial Liabi_2

Other Current Financial Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Current Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of other current financial liabilities	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Derivative liabilities (Note 28) $ 3,206 $ 6 Security deposits 1,277 1,913 Satellite performance incentive payments 9,608 11,645 Interest payable (a) 20,563 8,584 Other 3,627 4,238 Other current financial liabilities $ 38,281 $ 26,386 ____________ (a) Interest payable included interest payable on indebtedness, satellite performance incentive payments, and other current financial liabilities.

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of other current liabilities	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred revenue (Note 23) $ 65,704 $ 102,645 Decommissioning liabilities (Note 23) 826 1,068 Uncertain tax positions 1,315 1,315 Income taxes payable 118 4,231 Lease liabilities 1,866 — Other 2,486 4,030 Other current liabilities $ 72,315 $ 113,289

Other Long-term Financial Lia_2

Other Long-term Financial Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Long-term Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of other long-term financial liabilities	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Derivative liabilities (Note 28) $ 4,710 $ 5,627 Security deposits 458 346 Satellite performance incentive payments 37,343 47,268 Other — 1,280 Other long-term financial liabilities $ 42,511 $ 54,521

Other Long-term Liabilities (Ta

Other Long-term Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Long-term Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of other long-term liabilities	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred revenue (b) $ 374,642 $ 400,725 Accrued benefit liabilities (Note 30) 32,074 32,235 Uncertain tax positions 175 175 Decommissioning liabilities (a) 2,104 2,043 Lease liabilities 26,716 340 Other long-term liabilities $ 435,711 $ 435,518 ____________ (a) The current and long -term (b) Remaining performance obligations, which the Company also refers to as contract revenue backlog (“backlog”) represents the expected future revenue under existing customer contracts, includes both cancellable and non -cancellable
Schedule of backlog to be recognised	2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total $ 706.3 $ 599.4 $ 470.7 $ 408.0 $ 303.7 $ 790.7 $ 3,278.8
Schedule of maturity analysis undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities	2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter $ 3,124 $ 2,838 $ 2,580 $ 2,519 $ 2,485 $ 28,963

Indebtedness (Tables)

Indebtedness (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Indebtedness [Abstract]
Schedule of indebtedness	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Former senior secured credit facilities (a) Revolving Credit Facility $ — $ — Term Loan B – U.S. Facility (December 31, 2018 – USD $2,326,049) — 3,172,033 8.875% Senior Notes (December 31, 2018 – USD $500,000) (b) — 681,850 Senior Secured Credit Facilities (a) Revolving Credit Facility — — Term Loan B – U.S. Facility (December 31, 2019 – USD $1,908,500) 2,479,142 — Senior Notes (December 31, 2019 – USD $550,000) (c) 714,450 — Senior Secured Notes (December 31, 2019 – USD $400,000) (d) 519,600 — 3,713,192 3,853,883 Less: deferred financing costs and prepayment options (December 31, 2018 – deferred financing costs, interest rate floors, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment) (e) (393 ) (129,655 ) 3,712,799 3,724,228 Less: current indebtedness (24,408 ) (7,888 ) Long-term indebtedness $ 3,688,391 $ 3,716,340
Schedule of short-term and long-term portions of deferred financing costs, interest rate floors, prepayment option and premiums	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Short-term deferred financing costs $ 3,385 $ 15,263 Long-term deferred financing costs 24,934 68,536 $ 28,319 $ 83,799 Short-term interest rate floor $ — $ 3,436 Long-term interest rate floor — 15,165 $ — $ 18,601 Short-term prepayment options $ (3,001 ) $ (942 ) Long-term prepayment options (24,925 ) (5,986 ) $ (27,926 ) $ (6,928 ) Short-term net gain on repricing/repayment $ — $ 6,315 Long-term net gain on repricing/repayment $ — $ 27,868 $ — $ 34,183 Deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment options and net gain on repricing/repayment $ 393 $ 129,655
Schedule of outstanding principal balance of indebtedness	2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total $ 24.8 $ 24.8 $ 24.8 $ 24.8 $ 24.8 $ 3,589.2 $ 3,713.2

Share Capital (Tables)

Share Capital (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share Capital [Abstract]
Schedule of number of shares and stated value of outstanding shares	2019 2018 As at December 31, Number of Stated Number of Stated Common Shares 74,252,460 $ 26,580 74,252,460 $ 26,580 Voting Participating Preferred Shares 7,034,444 48,246 7,034,444 48,246 Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares 38,477,137 80,059 38,431,311 78,870 Director Voting Preferred Shares 1,000 10 1,000 10 Share capital $ 154,895 $ 153,706

Capital Disclosures (Tables)

Capital Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Capital Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of company's capital	The Company’s capital at the end of the year was as follows: As at December 31, 2019 2018 Shareholders’ equity (excluding reserves) $ 1,185,950 $ 997,307 Debt financing (excluding deferred financing costs and prepayment options (December 31, 2018 – deferred financing costs, prepayment option, interest rate floor and net gain on repricing/repayment)) $ 3,713,192 $ 3,853,883

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities	The contractual maturities of financial liabilities as at December Carrying Contractual s h flows 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Trade and other payables $ 26,247 $ 26,247 $ 26,247 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Customer and 1,735 1,735 1,277 135 18 104 — 201 Satellite 47,433 59,752 11,495 9,487 8,534 7,674 5,448 17,114 Other financial liabilities 3,659 3,263 3,263 — — — — — Interest rate 7,916 1,181 141 598 442 — — — Indebtedness (1) 3,733,241 5,067,951 221,928 212,311 211,147 209,983 209,059 4,003,523 $ 3,820,231 $ 5,160,129 $ 264,351 $ 222,531 $ 220,141 $ 217,761 $ 214,507 $ 4,020,838 (1) Indebtedness excludes deferred financing costs and prepayment options.
Schedule of interest payable and interest payments	The interest payable and interest payments included in the carrying value and contractual cash flows, respectively, in the above table, were as follows: Interest Interest payments Satellite performance incentive payments $ 482 $ 12,513 Other financial liabilities $ 31 $ 31 Indebtedness $ 20,050 $ 1,354,759
Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy	Financial assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheets and the fair value hierarchy levels used to calculate those values were as follows: As at December 31, 2019 FVTPL Amortized cost Total Fair value Fair value Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 1,027,222 $ 1,027,222 $ 1,027,222 Level 1 Trade and other receivables — 64,062 64,062 64,062 ​ (3) Other current financial assets — 210 210 210 Level 1 Other long-term financial assets (1) 32,821 24,909 57,730 57,730 Level 1, Trade and other payables — (26,247 ) (26,247 ) (26,247 ) ​ (3) Other current financial liabilities (3,206 ) (35,075 ) (38,281 ) (40,748 ) Level 2 Other long-term financial liabilities (4,710 ) (37,801 ) (42,511 ) (42,493 ) Level 2 Indebtedness (2) — (3,713,192 ) (3,713,192 ) (3,760,656 ) Level 2 $ 24,905 $ (2,695,912 ) $ (2,671,007 ) $ (2,720,920 ) As at December 31, 2018 FVTPL Amortized cost Total Fair value Fair value Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 768,433 $ 768,433 $ 768,433 Level 1 Trade and other receivables — 45,631 45,631 45,631 ​ (3) Other current financial assets (1) 18,632 147 18,779 18,779 Level 1, Level 2 Other long-term financial assets (1) 33,796 21,959 55,755 55,755 Level 1, Level 2 Trade and other payables — (30,659 ) (30,659 ) (30,659 ) ​ (3) Other current financial liabilities (6 ) (26,380 ) (26,386 ) (29,131 ) Level 2 Other long-term financial liabilities (5,627 ) (48,894 ) (54,521 ) (54,733 ) Level 2 Indebtedness (2) — (3,853,883 ) (3,853,883 ) (3,709,695 ) Level 2 $ 46,795 $ (3,123,646 ) $ (3,076,851 ) $ (2,935,620 ) ____________ (1) Other current and long -term (2) Indebtedness excludes deferred financing costs and prepayment options (December 31, 2018 – deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment). (3) Trade and other receivables and trade and other payables approximate fair value due to the short -term
Schedule of rates used to calculate fair value of indebtedness	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Term Loan B – U.S. Facility – former senior secured credit facilities —% 94.50% Term Loan B – U.S. Facility – Senior Secured Credit Facilities 100.25% —% 8.875% Senior Notes —% 104.44% Senior Notes 104.25% —% Senior Secured Notes 102.10% —
Schedule of current and long-term portions of fair value of derivative assets and liabilities	The current and long -term As at December 31, 2019 Other Other Other Other Total Interest rate swaps $ — $ — $ (3,206 ) $ (4,710 ) $ (7,916 ) Prepayment options — 32,821 — — 32,821 $ — $ 32,821 $ (3,206 ) $ (4,710 ) $ 24,905 As at December 31, 2018 Other Other Other Other Total Interest rate floor $ — $ — $ (6 ) $ (5,627 ) $ (5,633 ) Interest rate swaps 18,632 16,650 — — 35,282 Prepayment option — 17,146 — — 17,146 $ 18,632 $ 33,796 $ (6 ) $ (5,627 ) $ 46,795
Schedule of reconciliation of fair value of derivative assets and liabilities	Fair value, December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 $ 59,357 Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives Interest rate floor 255 Prepayment option (30,691 ) Interest rate swaps 12,231 Impact of foreign exchange 5,643 Fair value, December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019 46,795 Derivatives recognized at inception Prepayment option – Senior Notes (Note 24) 17,829 Prepayment option – Senior Secured Notes (Note 24) 10,562 Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives Interest rate floor 5,368 Prepayment options (12,391 ) Interest rate swaps (42,649 ) Impact of foreign exchange (609 ) Fair value, December 31, 2019 $ 24,905

Share-Based Compensation Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of convertible into common shares authorized year	Year authorized Quantity 2008 8,824,646 2013 4,036,729 2015 62,404 2017 350,000 2018 3,280,000 2019 500,000
Schedule of movement in number of stock options outstanding and weighted average exercise price	Time vesting option plans Performance vesting Number of Weighted Number o f Weighted Outstanding at December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 3,464,197 $ 24.85 476,410 $ 11.07 Granted 3,692,372 — Forfeited (2,650 ) — Exercised (Note 25) (51,055 ) (44,308 ) Expired — — Outstanding at December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019 7,102,864 $ 25.56 432,102 $ 11.07 Granted 522,372 — Forfeited (62,499 ) — Exercised (Note 25) (18,120 ) (22,149 ) Expired — — Outstanding at December 31, 2019 7,544,617 $ 25.63 409,953 $ 11.07
Schedule of movement in the number of restricted share units outstanding	Outstanding, January 1, 2018 — Granted 200,000 Outstanding, December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019 200,000 Settled (66,667 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2019 133,333
Schedule of quantity of stock options exercisable and weighted average remaining life	As at December 31, 2019 2018 Time vesting option plans 4,762,335 3,689,117 Performance vesting option plans 409,953 432,102 Weighted average remaining life 7 years 7 years
Schedule of share-based compensation expense	Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Operating expenses $16,035 $29,505 $2,856
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to determine share-based compensation expense using Black-Scholes option pricing model	2019 2018 2017 Dividend yield — % — % — % Expected volatility 32.4 % 31.7 % 24.6 % Risk-free interest rate 2.93 % 2.94 % 1.83 % Expected life (years) 10 10 10

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of expenses included on consolidated statements of income (loss) and consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)	Pension plans Other post-employment Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Consolidated statements of income (loss) Operating expenses $ 6,198 $ 6,345 $ 6,239 $ 116 $ 276 $ 243 Interest expense $ 524 $ 658 $ 650 $ 815 $ 830 $ 861 Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) Actuarial (gains) losses on employee benefit plans $ (3,325 ) $ (4,555 ) $ 3,761 $ 2,191 $ (3,200 ) $ 1,410
Schedule of pension and other post-employment benefits obligations, included in other long-term liabilities	The balance sheet obligations, distributed between pension and other post -employment -term As at December 31, 2019 2018 Pension benefits $ 8,566 $ 10,905 Other post-employment benefits 23,508 21,330 Accrued benefit liabilities $ 32,074 $ 32,235
Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance	The amounts recognized in the balance sheets and the funded statuses of the benefit plans were as follows: 2019 2018 As at December 31, Pension Other Pension Other Present value of funded obligations $ 331,737 $ — $ 292,914 $ — Fair value of plan assets (324,257 ) — (283,064 ) — 7,480 — 9,850 — Present value of unfunded obligations 1,086 23,508 1,055 21,330 Accrued benefit liabilities $ 8,566 $ 23,508 $ 10,905 $ 21,330
Schedule of changes in benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets	The changes in the benefit obligations and in the fair value of plan assets were as follows: Pension Other Total Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligation, January 1, 2019 $ 293,969 $ 21,330 $ 315,299 Current service cost 5,701 116 5,817 Interest expense 11,241 815 12,056 Remeasurements Actuarial losses arising from plan experience 1,773 235 2,008 Actuarial losses from change in demographic assumptions — 16 16 Actuarial losses from changes in financial assumptions 28,531 1,940 30,471 Benefits paid (9,483 ) (758 ) (10,241 ) Contributions by plan participants 1,091 — 1,091 Foreign exchange — (186 ) (186 ) Benefit obligation, December 31, 2019 332,823 23,508 356,331 Change in fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets, January 1, 2019 (283,064 ) — (283,064 ) Contributions by plan participants (1,091 ) — (1,091 ) Contributions by employer (5,736 ) (758 ) (6,494 ) Interest income (10,717 ) — (10,717 ) Benefits paid 9,483 758 10,241 Remeasurements Return on plan assets, excluding interest income (33,629 ) — (33,629 ) Administrative costs 497 — 497 Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2019 (324,257 ) — (324,257 ) Accrued benefit liabilities, December 31, 2019 $ 8,566 $ 23,508 $ 32,074 Pension Other Total Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligation, January 1, 2018 $ 307,781 $ 23,896 $ 331,677 Current service cost 5,905 276 6,181 Interest expense 10,836 830 11,666 Remeasurements Actuarial gains arising from plan experience (1,018 ) (701 ) (1,719 ) Actuarial gains from change in demographic assumptions (8,363 ) (1,072 ) (9,435 ) Actuarial gains from changes in financial assumptions (13,125 ) (1,427 ) (14,552 ) Benefits paid (9,190 ) (743 ) (9,933 ) Contributions by plan participants 1,146 — 1,146 Foreign exchange — 297 297 Other (3 ) (26 ) (29 ) Benefit obligation, December 31, 2018 293,969 21,330 315,299 Change in fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets, January 1, 2018 (291,612 ) — (291,612 ) Contributions by plan participants (1,146 ) — (1,146 ) Contributions by employer (7,709 ) (743 ) (8,452 ) Interest income (10,178 ) — (10,178 ) Benefits paid 9,190 743 9,933 Remeasurements Return on plan assets, excluding interest income 17,951 — 17,951 Administrative costs 440 — 440 Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2018 (283,064 ) — (283,064 ) Accrued benefit liabilities, December 31, 2018 $ 10,905 $ 21,330 $ 32,235
Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans	The estimated future benefit payments for the defined benefit pension plans and other post -employment Pension Other 2020 $ 10,848 $ 861 2021 $ 11,451 $ 894 2022 $ 12,007 $ 929 2023 $ 12,649 $ 964 2024 $ 13,368 $ 1,000 2025 to 2029 $ 76,594 $ 6,409
Schedule of fair value of plan assets allocation by type of investment	The fair value of the plan assets were allocated as follows between the various types of investments: As at December 31, 2019 2018 Equity securities Canada 22.3 % 20.8 % United States 19.8 % 12.7 % International (other than United States) 14.1 % 18.1 % Fixed income instruments Canada 41.2 % 45.7 % Cash and cash equivalents Canada 2.6 % 2.7 %
Schedule of significant assumptions adopted in measuring pension and other benefit obligations	The following are the significant assumptions adopted in measuring the Company’s pension and other benefit obligations: As at December 31, Pension Other Pension Other Actuarial benefit obligation Discount rate 3.20 % 2.95 % to 3.20% 3.80 % 3.80 % to 4.00% Benefit costs for the year ended Discount rate 3.90 % 3.90 % to 4.00% 3.60 % 3.25 % to 3.60% Future salary growth 2.50 % N/A 2.50 % N/A Health care cost trend rate N/A 3.49 % to 5.49% N/A 4.50% Other medical trend rates N/A 4.00 % to 4.56% N/A 4.50%
Schedule of impact on defined benefit obligation from one percent increase or decrease change in assumptions used	Pension Other As at December 31, 2019 1% increase 1% decrease 1% increase 1% decrease Discount rate $ (45,385 ) $ 57,745 $ (2,751 ) $ 3,576 Future salary growth $ 9,856 $ (8,874 ) N/A N/A Medical and dental trend rates N/A N/A $ 2,018 $ (1,531 ) Pension Other As at December 31, 2018 1% increase 1% decrease 1% increase 1% decrease Discount rate $ (39,145 ) $ 49,361 $ (2,471 ) $ 3,224 Future salary growth $ 7,572 $ (6,919 ) N/A N/A Medical and dental trend rates N/A N/A $ 1,703 $ (1,280

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Schedule of cash and cash equivalents	As at December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Cash $ 542,537 $ 342,874 $ 388,372 Short-term investments (1) 484,685 425,559 90,673 Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,027,222 $ 768,433 $ 479,045 ____________ (1) Consisted of short -term
Schedule of income taxes paid, net of income taxes received	Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Income taxes paid $ (101,952 ) $ (109,193 ) $ (85,503 ) Income taxes received 6,497 2,885 22,512 $ (95,455 ) $ (106,308 ) $ (62,991 )
Schedule of interest paid, net of capitalized interest and interest received	Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Interest paid $ (195,671 ) $ (207,339 ) $ (219,773 ) Interest received 19,559 11,802 6,201 Capitalized interest — 19,120 18,324 $ (176,112 ) $ (176,417 ) $ (195,248 )
Schedule of reconciliation of the liabilities arising from financing activities	Indebtedness Satellite performance incentive payments Lease Balance as at January 1, 2019 $ 3,724,228 $ 58,913 $ 369 Cash outflows (3,743,465 ) (9,644 ) (1,252 ) Cash inflows 3,786,082 — — Write-off of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment (Note 24) 107,065 — — Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment options and net gain on repricing/repayment 22,461 — — Debt issue costs (28,082 ) — — Debt issue costs accrued (573 ) Prepayment option at inception – Senior Notes 17,829 — — Prepayment option at inception – Senior Secured Notes 10,562 — — Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 3) — — 26,851 Non-cash additions — — 2,775 Interest paid — — (984 ) Interest accrued — — 1,288 Other — 296 (236 ) Impact of foreign exchange (183,308 ) (2,614 ) (229 ) Balance as at December 31, 2019 $ 3,712,799 $ 46,951 $ 28,582 Indebtedness Satellite performance incentive payments Capital Balance as at January 1, 2018 $ 3,543,377 $ 62,961 $ 369 Debt repricing costs (10,190 ) — — Cash outflows (94,951 ) (9,037 ) (29 ) Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment 22,497 — — Loss on voluntary payment (Note 24) 2,828 — — Gain on repricing (Note 24) (6,901 ) — — Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 24) (36,072 ) — — Other — 191 — Impact of foreign exchange 303,640 4,798 29 Balance as at December 31, 2018 $ 3,724,228 $ 58,913 $ 369 Indebtedness Satellite performance incentive payments Capital Balance as at January 1, 2017 (1) $ 3,856,097 $ 75,985 $ 422 Debt issue costs (42,867 ) — — Cash outflows (31,620 ) (8,436 ) (30 ) Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor and prepayment option 14,988 — — Other — 18 2 Impact of foreign exchange (253,221 ) (4,606 ) (25 ) Balance as at December 31, 2017 $ 3,543,377 $ 62,961 $ 369 (1) Balance of the indebtedness as at January 1, 2017, included $4,459 of accrued debt issue costs associated with the November 2016 refinancing which were paid in 2017
Schedule of net change in operating assets and liabilities	As at December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Trade and other receivables $ (16,113 ) $ 22,056 $ (13,272 ) Financial assets (3,897 ) (210 ) 3,975 Other assets (13,183 ) 371 12,848 Trade and other payables 1,685 (4,695 ) 6,947 Financial liabilities (2,125 ) (1,026 ) (13,748 ) Other liabilities 19,691 72,317 51,502 $ (13,942 ) $ 88,813 $ 48,252
Schedule of non-cash investing activities	Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Satellites, property and other equipment $ 29,234 $ 3,795 $ 9,515 Intangible assets $ (3,263 ) $ 3,635 $ (128 )

Commitments and Contingent Li_2

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations	The following were the Company’s off -balance 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total Property leases $ 1,087 $ 1,242 $ 1,032 $ 1,000 $ 1,001 $ 13,149 $ 18,511 Capital commitments 15,510 21,628 4,807 — — — 41,945 Other operating commitments 20,532 12,052 4,557 3,435 2,703 5,467 48,746 $ 37,129 $ 34,922 $ 10,396 $ 4,435 $ 3,704 $ 18,616 $ 109,202

Subsidiaries (Tables)

Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation	The list of significant companies included in the scope of consolidation as at December Company Country Method of Consolidation % voting rights Infosat Communications LP Canada Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Spectrum General Partnership Canada Fully consolidated 100 10680451 Canada Inc. Canada Fully consolidated 100 Skynet Satellite Corporation United States Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Network Services, Inc. United States Fully consolidated 100 The SpaceConnection Inc. United States Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Satellite LP United States Fully consolidated 100 Infosat Able Holdings, Inc. United States Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Brasil Capacidade de Satélites Ltda. Brazil Fully consolidated 100 Telesat (IOM) Limited Isle of Man Fully consolidated 100 Telesat International Limited United Kingdom Fully consolidated 100

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Related party transactions [abstract]
Schedule of compensation of executives and board level directors	Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Short-term benefits (including salaries) $ 11,051 $ 16,853 $ 10,037 Special payments (1) 948 2,904 9,006 Post-employment benefits 2,773 2,510 2,458 Share-based payments 15,649 29,016 2,820 $ 30,421 $ 51,283 $ 24,321 ____________ (1) Balance relates to the special cash distribution effective January 25, 2017.
Schedule of related parties transaction	Sale of goods and services, Purchase of goods and services, Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Revenue $ 133 $ 128 $ 128 $ — $ — $ — Operating expenses $ — $ — $ — $ 6,645 $ 6,456 $ 6,518
Schedule of related parties transaction outstanding	Amounts owed by related parties Amounts owed to related parties At December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Current receivables/payables $ — $ 28 $ 204 $ —

Background of the Company (Deta

Background of the Company (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Background of the Company (Textual)
Percentage of voting interests held by shareholders for election of directors (Director Voting Preferred Shares)	38.00%
Director Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Background of the Company (Textual)
Percentage of voting interests for electing directors	29.00%
Loral Space and Communications Inc. [Member]
Background of the Company (Textual)
Percentage of economic interests held indirectly	63.00%
Percentage of voting interests held indirectly	33.00%
Public Sector Pension Investment Board [Member]
Background of the Company (Textual)
Percentage of economic interests held indirectly	36.00%
Percentage of voting interests held indirectly	67.00%

Changes in Accounting Policie_2

Changes in Accounting Policies (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other current financial assets	$ 210	$ 18,779
Satellites, property and other equipment	1,458,933	1,703,039
Other current liabilities	72,315	113,289
Other long-term liabilities	$ 435,711	435,518
IFRS 16 [Member]
Other current financial assets		(27)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(72)
Satellites, property and other equipment		26,350
Other long-term financial assets		(123)
Other current liabilities		1,069
Other long-term financial liabilities		(723)
Other long-term liabilities		$ 25,782

Changes in Accounting Policie_3

Changes in Accounting Policies (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)
Changes in Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Operating property leases	$ 33,837
Leases included in other operating commitments	376
Total leases included in Note 31 of the December 31, 2018 financial statements	34,213
Discounted using the Company's incremental borrowing rate	23,844
Adjustments as a result of different treatments of extension and termination options	12,441
Leases not capitalized due to exemptions	(551)
Variable costs included in commitments and contingencies	(8,850)
Lease liabilities as at January 1, 2019	$ 26,884

Changes in Accounting Policie_4

Changes in Accounting Policies (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 02, 2019
Changes in Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Interest rate on borrowing	4.875%	4.65%

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Satellites [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Estimated useful lives (in years)	12 to 15
Right-of-use assets [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Estimated useful lives (in years)	1 to 27
Property and Other Equipment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Estimated useful lives (in years)	3 to 30

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue Backlog [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Estimated useful lives of the finite intangible assets (in years)	17
Customer Relationships [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Estimated useful lives of the finite intangible assets (in years)	6 to 21
Customer Contracts [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Estimated useful lives of the finite intangible assets (in years)	15
Concession Rights [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Estimated useful lives of the finite intangible assets (in years)	5 to 15
Transponder Rights [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Estimated useful lives of the finite intangible assets (in years)	16
Patents [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Estimated useful lives of the finite intangible assets (in years)	18

Significant Accounting Polici_6

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 02, 2019
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Interest rate on borrowing	4.875%	4.65%
6.0% Senior Notes [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Interest rate on borrowing	6.50%
Senior secured credit facilities [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Interest rate on borrowing	4.875%
Former Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Interest rate on borrowing	8.875%

Critical Accounting Judgments_2

Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates (Textual)
Derivative financial assets, at fair value	$ 32,800	$ 52,400
Derivative financial liabilities, at fair value	7,900	5,600
Goodwill	2,446,603	2,446,603
Intangible assets	$ 802,791	$ 811,154

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	$ 910,893	$ 902,932	$ 927,407
Broadcast [Member]
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	444,478	455,125	472,751
Enterprise [Member]
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	444,732	428,226	430,343
Consulting and Other [Member]
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	$ 21,683	$ 19,581	$ 24,313

Segment Information (Details 1)

Segment Information (Details 1) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Equipment sales services	$ 8,556	$ 23,954	$ 15,123
Broadcast [Member]
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Equipment sales services	233	315	274
Enterprise [Member]
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Equipment sales services	8,323	23,639	14,460
Consulting and Other [Member]
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Equipment sales services			$ 389

Segment Information (Details 2)

Segment Information (Details 2) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	$ 910,893	$ 902,932	$ 927,407
Satellites, property and other equipment	1,458,933	1,703,039
Intangible assets	802,791	811,154
Other long-term financial assets	57,730	55,755
Other long-term assets	8,264	7,912
CANADA
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	395,235	417,692	415,575
Satellites, property and other equipment	682,518	821,449
Intangible assets	733,880	734,751
Other long-term assets	7,624	8,506
UNITED STATES
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	329,634	318,779	311,159
Satellites, property and other equipment	88,360	103,567
Intangible assets	39,395	41,935
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	50,911	61,317	80,532
Satellites, property and other equipment	685,562	775,055
Other long-term assets	640	987
LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	73,120	75,011	78,921
Intangible assets	21,908	25,962
ASIA & AUSTRALIA
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	61,993	30,133	$ 41,220
ALL OTHERS
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Satellites, property and other equipment	2,493	2,968
Intangible assets	$ 2,493	$ 8,506

Segment Information (Details Te

Segment Information (Details Textual) - Customer	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Information (Textual)
Number of customers with greater than 10% of consolidated revenue	3	3	3

Operating Expenses (Details)

Operating Expenses (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Compensation and employee benefits	[1]	$ 87,943	$ 98,350	$ 85,135
Other operating expenses	[2]	40,332	45,596	42,895
Cost of sales	[3]	37,224	41,881	59,657
Operating expenses		$ 165,499	$ 185,827	$ 187,687
[1]	Compensation and employee benefits included salaries, bonuses, commissions, post-employment benefits and charges arising from share-based compensation. The balance for the year ended December 31, 2019 included $1.0 million of expenses associated with a special payment to stock option holders, including associated benefit expenses (December 31, 2018 - $1.3 million, December 31, 2017 - $14.2 million).
[2]	Other operating expenses included general and administrative expenses, marketing expenses, in-orbit insurance expenses, professional fees and facility costs. The balance for year ended December 31, 2019 included $1.7 million of leases not capitalized due to exemptions and variable lease payments not included in the measurement of the leases liabilities.
[3]	Cost of sales included the cost of third-party satellite capacity, the cost of equipment sales and other costs directly attributable to fulfilling the Company's obligations under customer contracts.

Other Operating (Losses) Gain_3

Other Operating (Losses) Gains, Net (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Operating (Losses) Gains, Net [Abstract]
Insurance proceeds			$ 6,171
Loss on disposal of assets	(862)	(353)	(269)
Other		1,096
Other operating (losses) gains, net	$ (862)	$ 743	$ 5,902

Interest Expense (Details)

Interest Expense (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Interest on indebtedness	$ 239,805	$ 231,015	$ 209,136
Interest on derivative instruments	(13,191)	(7,105)	3,071
Interest on satellite performance incentive payments	3,536	4,134	4,750
Interest on significant financing component	25,484	27,374
Interest on employee benefit plans (Note 30)	1,339	1,488	1,511
Interest on leases	1,288
Capitalized interest (Note 16)		(19,120)	(18,324)
Interest expense	$ 258,261	$ 237,786	$ 200,144

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current tax expense	$ 71,202	$ 98,841	$ 111,510
Deferred tax recovery	(56,080)	(37,785)	(31,265)
Tax expense	$ 15,122	$ 61,056	$ 80,245

Income Taxes (Details 1)

Income Taxes (Details 1) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income (loss) before tax	$ 202,320	$ (29,880)	$ 585,298
Multiplied by the statutory income tax rates	26.56%	26.59%	26.60%
Tax expenses income at applicable tax rate	$ 53,736	$ (7,945)	$ 155,689
Income tax recorded at rates different from the Canadian tax rate	(13,017)	(10,823)	(9,833)
Permanent differences	(6,760)	50,458	(36,241)
Effect on deferred tax balances due to changes in income tax rates	(2,829)	(427)	(2,120)
Effect of temporary differences not recognized as deferred tax assets	(16,681)	35,416	(25,789)
Previously unrecognized tax losses and credits		(6,110)
Other	673	487	(1,461)
Tax expense	$ 15,122	$ 61,056	$ 80,245
Effective income tax rate	7.47%	(204.34%)	13.71%

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets
Foreign tax credits	$ 5,710	$ 4,245
Corporate interest restriction	11,393	7,176
Financing charges	17,152
Unrealized foreign exchange losses		4,488
Deferred revenue	13,071	20,729
Loss carry forwards	29,351	22,316
Employee benefits	8,282	8,374
Other	2,209	1,794
Total deferred tax assets	87,168	(69,122)
Deferred tax liabilities
Capital assets	(178,317)	(215,248)
Intangible assets	(237,269)	(240,595)
Finance charges		(9,380)
Unrealized foreign exchange gains	(7,932)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(423,518)	(465,223)
Deferred tax liabilities, net	$ (336,350)	$ (396,101)

Income Taxes (Details Narrative

Income Taxes (Details Narrative) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Deferred tax assets	$ 12,412		$ 10,799
Foreign tax credits to offset taxes payable	3,500
Canadian capital losses	7,900
Carried back to prior year capital gains	600,200
Capital gains	43,900
Temporary differences not recognized	$ 25,800
Foreign tax credit expire date	Expire between 2020 to 2026
UNITED KINGDOM
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Deferred tax assets	$ 21,200
Foreign tax credits to offset taxes payable	4,800
Tax losses carried forward	125,000
Deferred tax asset deduct against future taxable income	$ 11,400
UNITED KINGDOM | British Pound Sterling
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Percentage of maximum amount of profit carried-forward	50.00%
Allowance of unrestricted taxable income | £		£ 5,000
BRAZIL
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Tax losses carried forward	$ 2,200
Percentage of maximum amount of profit carried-forward	30.00%
Deferred tax asset deduct against future taxable income	$ 6,500

Trade and Other Receivables (De

Trade and Other Receivables (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Trade and other receivables [abstract]
Trade receivables	$ 53,893	$ 44,358
Trade receivables due from related parties (Note 34)		28
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,779)	(5,136)	$ (2,662)
Net trade receivables	52,114	39,250
Other receivables	11,948	6,381
Trade and other receivables	$ 64,062	$ 45,631

Trade and Other Receivables (_2

Trade and Other Receivables (Details 1) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Trade and other receivables [abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of year	$ 5,136	$ 2,662
Provisions for impaired receivables	604	73
Cumulative effect adjustment		2,754
Receivables written off	(4,899)	(47)
Impact of foreign exchange	938	(306)
Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of year	$ 1,779	$ 5,136

Trade and Other Receivables (_3

Trade and Other Receivables (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Trade and Other Receivables (Textual)
Reclassification to allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,800

Other Current Financial Asset_2

Other Current Financial Assets (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Current Financial Assets [Abstract]
Security deposits	$ 210	$ 147
Derivative assets (Note 28)		18,632
Other current financial assets	$ 210	$ 18,779

Prepaid Expenses And Other Cu_3

Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$ 12,896	$ 2,909
Income tax recoverable	26,730	10,329
Inventory	3,556	2,429
Deferred charges	307	475
Other	235	239
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 43,724	$ 16,381

Prepaid Expenses And Other Cu_4

Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets (Details Textual) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 1,400	$ 2,200
Work in progress	2,200	200
Recognized cost of equipment sales	$ 7,000	$ 17,700	$ 11,700

Other Long-Term Financial Ass_3

Other Long-Term Financial Assets (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Long Term Financial Assets [Abstract]
Long-term receivables	$ 18,932	$ 12,170
Security deposits	5,977	9,789
Derivative assets (Note 28)	32,821	33,796
Other long-term financial assets	$ 57,730	$ 55,755

Other Long-Term Assets (Details

Other Long-Term Assets (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Long Term Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$ 640	$ 991
Deferred charges (Note 13)	1,039	753
Income tax recoverable	6,283	5,866
Other	302	302
Other long-term assets	$ 8,264	$ 7,912

Satellites, Property and Othe_3

Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year		$ 1,703,039
Depreciation		242,966	$ 224,851		$ 221,058
Cost at end of year		1,458,933	1,703,039
Satellites [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year		1,596,774
Cost at end of year		1,334,294	1,596,774
Property and Other Equipment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year		95,128
Cost at end of year		86,690	95,128
Right-of-use assets [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year	[1]
Cost at end of year	[1]	26,774
Assets under construction [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year		11,137
Cost at end of year		11,175	11,137
Gross carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year		3,935,762	3,796,363
Additions		11,438	78,911
Cumulative effect adjustment		26,258	(1,038)	[2]
Disposals/retirements		(84,732)	(3,622)
Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction
Impact of foreign exchange		(41,057)	65,148
Cost at end of year		3,847,669	3,935,762		3,796,363
Gross carrying amount [Member] | Satellites [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year		3,669,570	3,180,178
Additions
Cumulative effect adjustment			(4,172)	[2]
Disposals/retirements		(77,322)
Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction			448,216
Impact of foreign exchange		(39,133)	45,348
Cost at end of year		3,553,115	3,669,570		3,180,178
Gross carrying amount [Member] | Property and Other Equipment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year		255,055	239,220
Additions		797	538
Cumulative effect adjustment		(474)		[2]
Disposals/retirements		(7,306)	(3,622)
Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction		7,652	17,229
Impact of foreign exchange		(1,486)	1,690
Cost at end of year		254,238	255,055		239,220
Gross carrying amount [Member] | Right-of-use assets [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year	[1]
Additions	[1]	2,798
Cumulative effect adjustment	[1]	26,732		[2]
Disposals/retirements	[1]	(104)
Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction	[1]
Impact of foreign exchange	[1]	(285)
Cost at end of year	[1]	29,141
Gross carrying amount [Member] | Assets under construction [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year		11,137	376,965
Additions		7,843	78,373
Cumulative effect adjustment			3,134	[2]
Disposals/retirements
Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction		(7,652)	(465,445)
Impact of foreign exchange		(153)	18,110
Cost at end of year		11,175	11,137		376,965
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year		(2,232,723)	(2,004,516)
Additions			(224,851)
Depreciation		(242,966)
Cumulative effect adjustment		92	1,433	[2]
Disposals/retirements		83,701	3,207
Impact of foreign exchange		3,160	(7,996)
Cost at end of year		(2,388,736)	(2,232,723)		(2,004,516)
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Satellites [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year		(2,072,796)	(1,857,192)
Additions			(209,804)
Depreciation		(225,675)
Cumulative effect adjustment			1,433	[2]
Disposals/retirements		77,322
Impact of foreign exchange		2,328	(7,050)
Cost at end of year		(2,218,821)	(2,072,796)		(1,857,192)
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Property and Other Equipment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year		(159,927)	(147,324)
Additions			(14,864)
Depreciation		(14,890)
Cumulative effect adjustment		92		[2]
Disposals/retirements		6,379	3,207
Impact of foreign exchange		798	(946)
Cost at end of year		(167,548)	(159,927)		(147,324)
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Right-of-use assets [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year	[1]
Depreciation	[1]	(2,401)
Cumulative effect adjustment	[1]			[2]
Disposals/retirements	[1]
Impact of foreign exchange	[1]	34
Cost at end of year	[1]	(2,367)
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Assets under construction [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cost at beginning of year
Additions
Depreciation
Cumulative effect adjustment				[2]
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange
Cost at end of year
[1]	Right-of-use assets consisted primarily of property leases.
[2]	A cumulative effect adjustment was recorded on January 1, 2018, as a result of the implementation of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers due to additional interest required to be capitalized as a result of a significant financing component existing on certain revenue agreements. Net of the accumulated depreciation adjusted on January 1, 2018, the impact on satellites, property and other equipment was an increase of $0.4 million.

Satellites, Property and Othe_4

Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details Narrative) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Capitalized interest		$ 19,120	$ 18,324
Average capitalization rate		7.00%	5.00%
Leases not capitalized	$ 10,800
Satellites [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Increase of accumulated depreciation		$ 400
Property and Other Equipment [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Increase of accumulated depreciation		400
Intangible assets other than goodwill [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Capitalized interest	$ 400	$ 400	$ 1,200
Telesat International Limited [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Percentage of interest in joint operation	42.50%

Intangible Assets (Details)

Intangible Assets (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	$ 811,154
Balance at ending	802,791	$ 811,154
Gross carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	1,181,519
Balance at ending	1,172,766	1,181,519
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	(370,365)
Balance at ending	(368,875)	(370,365)
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	672,944
Additions
Balance at ending	689,743	672,944
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Orbital slots [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	608,895	605,643
Additions
Balance at ending	606,921	608,895	$ 605,643
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Trade name [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	17,000	17,000
Additions
Balance at ending	17,000	17,000	17,000
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Intellectual property [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	47,049	25,738
Additions
Balance at ending	65,822	47,049	25,738
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Gross carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	674,044	649,481
Additions	20,137	21,311
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange	(3,338)	3,252
Balance at ending	690,843	674,044	649,481
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Gross carrying amount [Member] | Orbital slots [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	609,995	606,743
Additions
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange	(1,974)	3,252
Balance at ending	608,021	609,995	606,743
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Gross carrying amount [Member] | Trade name [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	17,000	17,000
Additions
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange
Balance at ending	17,000	17,000	17,000
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Gross carrying amount [Member] | Intellectual property [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	47,049	25,738
Additions	20,137	21,311
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange	(1,364)
Balance at ending	65,822	47,049	25,738
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	(1,100)	(1,100)
Impairment
Balance at ending	(1,100)	(1,100)	(1,100)
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Orbital slots [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning	(1,100)	(1,100)	(1,100)
Impairment
Balance at ending	(1,100)	(1,100)	(1,100)
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Trade name [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning
Impairment
Balance at ending
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Intellectual property [Member]
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life [line items]
Balance at beginning
Impairment
Balance at ending

Intangible Assets (Details 1)

Intangible Assets (Details 1) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	$ 811,154
Balance at ending	802,791	$ 811,154
Gross carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	1,181,519
Balance at ending	1,172,766	1,181,519
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	(370,365)
Balance at ending	(368,875)	(370,365)
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	138,210
Balance at ending	113,048	138,210
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	68,163	78,172
Balance at ending	60,559	68,163
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Customer Contracts [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	11,026	13,917
Balance at ending	5,907	11,026
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Transponder Rights [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	4,852	5,776
Balance at ending	3,774	4,852
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Concession Rights [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	25,962	30,511
Balance at ending	21,908	25,962
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	22	26
Balance at ending	19	22
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Gross carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	507,475	509,458
Additions	162	36
Disposals/retirements	(21,625)	(94)
Impact of foreign exchange	(4,089)	(1,925)
Balance at ending	481,923	507,475
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Gross carrying amount [Member] | Revenue Backlog [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	235,955	235,635
Additions
Disposals/retirements	(11,051)
Impact of foreign exchange	(1,240)	320
Balance at ending	223,664	235,955
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Gross carrying amount [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	198,727	198,314
Additions
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange	(251)	413
Balance at ending	198,476	198,727
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Gross carrying amount [Member] | Customer Contracts [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	23,142	23,142
Additions
Disposals/retirements	(10,284)
Impact of foreign exchange
Balance at ending	12,858	23,142
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Gross carrying amount [Member] | Transponder Rights [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	16,718	16,718
Additions
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange
Balance at ending	16,718	16,718
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Gross carrying amount [Member] | Concession Rights [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	32,874	35,590
Additions	162	36
Disposals/retirements	(290)	(94)
Impact of foreign exchange	(2,598)	(2,658)
Balance at ending	30,148	32,874
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Gross carrying amount [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	59	59
Additions
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange
Balance at ending	59	59
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	(369,265)	(344,844)
Amortization	(23,277)	(24,305)
Disposals/retirements	21,569	94
Impact of foreign exchange	2,098	(210)
Balance at ending	(368,875)	(369,265)
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Revenue Backlog [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	(207,770)	(199,423)
Amortization	(7,291)	(8,020)
Disposals/retirements	11,051
Impact of foreign exchange	1,227	(327)
Balance at ending	(202,783)	(207,770)
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	(130,564)	(120,142)
Amortization	(7,495)	(10,114)
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange	142	(308)
Balance at ending	(137,917)	(130,564)
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Customer Contracts [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	(12,116)	(9,225)
Amortization	(5,119)	(2,891)
Disposals/retirements	10,284
Impact of foreign exchange
Balance at ending	(6,951)	(12,116)
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Transponder Rights [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	(11,866)	(10,942)
Amortization	(1,078)	(924)
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange
Balance at ending	(12,944)	(11,866)
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Concession Rights [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	(6,912)	(5,079)
Amortization	(2,291)	(2,352)
Disposals/retirements	234	94
Impact of foreign exchange	729	425
Balance at ending	(8,240)	(6,912)
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	(37)	(33)
Amortization	(3)	(4)
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange
Balance at ending	(40)	(37)
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member] | Revenue Backlog [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]
Balance at beginning	28,185	36,212
Balance at ending	$ 20,881	$ 28,185

Intangible Assets (Details 2)

Intangible Assets (Details 2) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Total intangible assets	$ 802,791	$ 811,154
Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Total intangible assets	113,048	138,210
Gross carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Total intangible assets	1,172,766	1,181,519
Gross carrying amount [Member] | Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Total intangible assets	481,923	507,475	$ 509,458
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Total intangible assets	(368,875)	(370,365)
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Intangible assets with finite useful life [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Total intangible assets	(368,875)	(369,265)	(344,844)
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Total intangible assets	689,743	672,944
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Gross carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Total intangible assets	690,843	674,044	649,481
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Total intangible assets	$ (1,100)	$ (1,100)	$ (1,100)

Intangible Assets (Details 3)

Intangible Assets (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue Backlog [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets (in years)	5
Customer Relationships [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets (in years)	1 to 9
Customer Contracts [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets (in years)	7
Transponder Rights [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets (in years)	3
Concession Rights [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets (in years)	1 to 11
Patents [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets (in years)	6

Intangible Assets (Details Text

Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017
Intangible Assets (Textual)
Discount rate	8.50%	10.00%
Government grants	$ 3,300

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill Information Abstract
Goodwill	$ 2,446,603	$ 2,446,603

Trade and Other Payables (Detai

Trade and Other Payables (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Trade and other payables [abstract]
Trade payables	$ 4,561	$ 3,609
Other payables and accrued liabilities	21,686	27,050
Trade and other payables	$ 26,247	$ 30,659

Other Current Financial Liabi_3

Other Current Financial Liabilities (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Current Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities (Note 28)	$ 3,206	$ 6
Security deposits	1,277	1,913
Satellite performance incentive payments	9,608	11,645
Interest payable	20,563	8,584
Other	3,627	4,238
Other current financial liabilities	$ 38,281	$ 26,386

Other Current Liabilities (Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred revenue (Note 23)	$ 65,704	$ 102,645
Decommissioning liabilities (Note 23)	826	1,068
Uncertain tax positions	1,315	1,315
Income taxes payable	118	4,231
Lease liabilities (Note 23)	1,866
Other	2,486	4,030
Other current liabilities	$ 72,315	$ 113,289

Other Long-term Financial Lia_3

Other Long-term Financial Liabilities (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Long-term Financial Liabilities
Derivative liabilities (Note 28)	$ 4,710	$ 5,627
Security deposits	458	346
Satellite performance incentive payments	37,343	47,268
Other		1,280
Other long-term financial liabilities	$ 42,511	$ 54,521

Other Long-term Liabilities (De

Other Long-term Liabilities (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Long-term Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred revenue	$ 374,642	$ 400,725
Accrued benefit liabilities (Note 30)	32,074	32,235
Uncertain tax positions	175	175
Decommissioning liabilities	2,104	2,043
Lease liabilities	26,716	340
Other long-term liabilities	$ 435,711	$ 435,518

Other Long-term Liabilities (_2

Other Long-term Liabilities (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 3,278,800
2020 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Total other long-term liabilities	706,300
2021 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Total other long-term liabilities	599,400
2022 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Total other long-term liabilities	470,700
2023 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Total other long-term liabilities	408,000
2024 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Total other long-term liabilities	303,700
Thereafter [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 790,700

Other Long-term Liabilities (_3

Other Long-term Liabilities (Details 2) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Lease liabilities		$ (26,884)
2020 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Lease liabilities	$ 3,124
2021 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Lease liabilities	2,838
2022 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Lease liabilities	2,580
2023 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Lease liabilities	2,519
2024 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Lease liabilities	2,485
Thereafter [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Lease liabilities	$ 28,963

Other Long-term Liabilities (_4

Other Long-term Liabilities (Details 3) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
2020 [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	$ 3,124
2021 [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	2,838
2022 [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	2,580
2023 [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	2,519
2024 [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	2,485
Thereafter [Member]
Statement Line Items [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	$ 28,963

Other Long-term Liabilities (_5

Other Long-term Liabilities (Details Narrative) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Long-term Liabilities [Abstract]
Decommissioning liabilities on property and equipment	$ 2,900	$ 3,100
Interest expense related to decommissioning liabilities	100	100
Decommissioning liabilities	200	$ 100
Interest payments	$ 13,800

Indebtedness (Details)

Indebtedness (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs		$ 3,713,192	$ 3,853,883
Less: deferred financing costs, interest rate floors, prepayment options and net gain on repricing/repayment		(393)	(129,655)
Borrowings		3,712,799	3,724,228
Less: current indebtedness		(24,408)	(7,888)
Long-term indebtedness		3,688,391	3,716,340
Former senior secured credit facilities [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs
Former senior secured credit facilities [Member] | Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs			3,172,033
8.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs	[1]		681,850
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] | Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs		2,479,142
Senior Notes [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs		714,450
Senior Secured Notes [Member
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs		$ 519,600
[1]	The former Senior Notes bore interest at an annual rate of 8.875% (8.875% Senior Notes) with interest paying having been made in May and November annually. The total balance of the 8.875% Senior Notes was USD$500 million. The weighted average effective interest rate for the 284-day period ended October 11, 2019 was 8.80% (Year ended December 31, 2018 - 8.80%). The 8.875% Senior Notes were paid in full to the indenture trustee on October 11, 2019. The indenture agreement for the 8.875% Senior Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 28) which were fair valued at the time of debt issuance. The initial fair value impact, in November 2016, of the prepayment option related to the 8.875% Senior Notes was an $8.7 million increase to the indebtedness. This liability was subsequently amortized using the effective interest method and had a carrying amount of $6.9 million as at December 31, 2018. Any unamortized prepayment option as at October 11, 2019, were written off against loss on refinancing upon repayment of the indebtedness.

Indebtedness (Details 1)

Indebtedness (Details 1) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Short-term deferred financing costs	$ 3,385	$ 15,263
Long-term deferred financing costs	24,934	68,536
Deferred financing costs	28,319	83,799
Deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment	393	129,655
Senior secured credit facilities [Member] | Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Short-term interest rate floor		3,436
Long-term interest rate floor		15,165
Interest rate floor		18,601
Senior secured credit facilities [Member] | 8.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Short-term net gain on repricing/repayment		6,315
Long-term net gain on repricing/repayment		27,868
Net gain on repricing/repayment		34,183
8.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Short-term prepayment option	(3,001)	(942)
Long-term prepayment option	(24,925)	(5,986)
Prepayment option	$ (27,926)	(6,928)
8.875% Senior Notes [Member] | Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Deferred financing costs		$ 83,800

Indebtedness (Details 2)

Indebtedness (Details 2) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs	$ 3,713,192	$ 3,853,883
2020 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs	24,800
2021 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs	24,800
2022 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs	24,800
2023 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs	24,800
2024 [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs	24,800
Thereafter [Member]
Disclosure of amounts to be recovered or settled after twelve months for classes of assets and liabilities that contain amounts to be recovered or settled both no more and more than twelve months after reporting date [line items]
Borrowings before deferred financing costs	$ 3,589,200

Indebtedness (Details Textual)

Indebtedness (Details Textual) $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands

Dec. 06, 2019CAD ($)

Dec. 06, 2019USD ($)

Oct. 11, 2019CAD ($)

Oct. 11, 2019USD ($)

Feb. 01, 2017

Jan. 31, 2017

Nov. 17, 2016CAD ($)

Apr. 30, 2018CAD ($)

Apr. 26, 2018CAD ($)

Mar. 31, 2018CAD ($)

Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)

Nov. 17, 2016CAD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017CAD ($)

Dec. 06, 2019USD ($)

Nov. 17, 2019USD ($)

Jan. 02, 2019

Jan. 02, 2018CAD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Oct. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Nov. 17, 2016USD ($)

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Payments of debt

$ 7,400

$ 28,082

$ 10,190

$ 42,867

Interest rate on notes

6.50%

6.50%

Borrowings before deferred financing costs

$ 3,713,192

3,853,883

Interest rate on borrowing

4.875%

4.65%

Deferred financing costs

$ 28,319

83,799

Senior secured credit facilities, description

For the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the repayment is equal to one quarter of 1% of the value of the initial principal amount and is payable on a quarterly basis commencing on March 31, 2020. For the former senior secured credit facilities, from February 2017 to April 26, 2018, the repayment was equal to one quarter of 1% of the value of the loan as at the February 2017 loan amendment, and was payable on a quarterly basis. From April 26, 2018, the repayment was equal to one quarter of 1% of the value of the loan as at that date, and was payable on a quarterly basis.

Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Recognition of a loss

$ 2,800

Gain on repricing

$ 6,900

Payment on term loan

$ 50,000

Additional debt issue costs

$ 10,200

Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Reduction of interest rate

2.50%

Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member] | Top of range [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Reduction of interest rate

3.00%

Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member] | USD

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Recognition of a loss

$ 2,800

Term Loan B - Canadian Facility [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Interest rate on borrowing

1.84%

1.72%

Term Loan B - Canadian Facility [Member] | Top of range [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Interest rate on borrowing

2.04%

2.04%

Credit Agreement [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Payments of debt

$ 160,000

Senior secured credit facilities

$ 1,908,500

Revolving credit borrowings

$ 200,000

Borrowings maturity date

The term loan facility matures in December 2026 while the revolving credit facility matures in December 2024.

Revolving credit facility

$ 1,300

Description credit agreement

This Credit Agreement was fully repaid on December 6, 2019 from the new amended and restated Credit Agreement in the amount of USD$1,908.5 million and the USD$400 million 4.875% Senior Secured Notes.

Private Placement [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Payments of debt

$ 6,600

$ 550,000

$ 500,000

Interest rate on notes

4.875%

6.50%

6.50%

8.875%

Maturity date

Jun. 30, 2027

Oct. 11, 2019

Oct. 11, 2019

Nov. 17, 2024

Description of notes

The Senior Secured Notes include covenants or terms that restricts the Company’s ability to, among other things: (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, or issue disqualified stock or preferred shares, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends, or make certain restricted payments or investments, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) modify or cancel satellite insurance, (vi) consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of substantially all assets, (vii) create restrictions on the ability to pay dividends, make loans, and sell assets, and (viii) designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.

The 6.5% Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to Telesat Canada’s existing and future secured indebtedness, including obligations under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities and 4.875% Senior Secured Notes. The 6.5% Senior Notes are governed by the 6.5% Senior Notes Indenture.

The 6.5% Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to Telesat Canada’s existing and future secured indebtedness, including obligations under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities and 4.875% Senior Secured Notes. The 6.5% Senior Notes are governed by the 6.5% Senior Notes Indenture.

The 8.875% Senior Notes were subordinated to Telesat Canada’s secured indebtedness and were governed under the 8.875% Senior Notes indenture. With the net proceeds from the 6.5% Senior Notes offering, along with available cash on hand, all outstanding amounts, including redemption premium and discounted interest to November 15, 2019, were repaid on October 11, 2019, on the USD$500 million 8.875% Senior Notes.

Senior secured credit facilities

$ 400,000

$ 2,430,000

Revolving credit borrowings

$ 200,000

Senior secured credit facilities [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Interest rate on borrowing

4.875%

Description of each tranche mandatory principal repayment requirements

From February 1, 2017 to April 26, 2018, the repayment was equal to one quarter of 1% of the value of the loan at the time of the amendment, February 1, 2017, and is payable on a quarterly basis. As at April 26, 2018, the repayment is equal to one quarter of 1% of the value of the loan at the time of the amendment, April 26, 2018, and is payable on a quarterly basis.

Up to February 1, 2017, this repayment was equal to one quarter of 1% of the initial aggregate principal amount and is payable on a quarterly basis.

Senior secured credit facilities [Member] | Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Maturity date

Dec. 31, 2026

Borrowings amount

1,908,500

Borrowings before deferred financing costs

$ 3,172,033

Description of interest rate basis

(i) LIBOR as periodically determined for interest rate periods selected by Telesat in accordance with the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, but not less than 0.75%, plus an applicable margin of 2.50%; or (ii) Alternative Base Rate as determined in accordance with the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities plus an applicable margin of 2.00%.

Weighted average effective interest rate

5.83%

4.86%

Interest rate floors

$ 18,601

Gain on repricing

$ 6,900

Reduction of interest rate

2.50%

Senior secured credit facilities, description

(i) LIBOR as periodically determined for interest rate periods selected by Telesat in accordance with the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, plus an applicable margin of 2.75%; or (ii) Alternative Base Rate as determined in accordance with the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities plus an applicable margin of 1.75%. The mandatory principal repayment is equal to 0.25% of the original aggregate principal amount, payable on the last day of each quarter, commencing on March 31, 2020. The weighted average effective interest rate was 4.73% for the 25-day period ended December 31, 2019.

Senior secured credit facilities [Member] | Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member] | USD

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Borrowings before deferred financing costs

$ 2,399,686

$ 2,423,925

Senior secured credit facilities [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Maturity date

Dec. 31, 2024

Revolving credit facility

$ 200,000

Borrowings before deferred financing costs

Description of interest rate basis

Bear interest at a floating rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.00% for prime rate and Alternative Base Rate (“ABR”) loans and ranging from 2.50% to 3.00% for Bankers Acceptance (“BA”) and Eurodollar loans.

Percentage of unused commitment fee

0.40%

Drawings related to letters of credit

300

$ 200

Senior secured credit facilities, description

For Canadian Prime Rate and Alternative Base Rate (“ABR”) loans, an applicable margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.25% is applied to the Prime Rate and ABR as these interest rates are defined in the Senior Credit Facilities. For Bankers Acceptance (“BA”) Loans and Eurodollar Loans, an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.25% is applied to either the BA interest rate or LIBOR. The rates on the Revolving Facility vary depending upon the results of the first lien leverage ratio. The Revolving Facility has an unused commitment fee that ranges from 25.0 to 37.5 basis points per annum, depending upon the result of the total leverage ratio. As at December 31, 2019, other than $0.1 million in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility.

Senior secured credit facilities [Member] | IFRS 9, Financial Instruments [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Net gain on repricing/repayment

$ 36,100

Senior secured credit facilities [Member] | IFRS 9, Financial Instruments [Member] | Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Interest rate on borrowing

3.00%

Previous interest rate on borrowing

3.75%

8.875% Senior Notes [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Payments of debt

$ 500,000

Interest rate on notes

8.875%

Description of notes

The weighted average effective interest rate for the 284-day period ended October 11, 2019 was 8.80% (Year ended December 31, 2018 — 8.80%). The 8.875% Senior Notes were paid in full to the indenture trustee on October 11, 2019.

Borrowings before deferred financing costs

[1]

$ 681,850

Net loss resulting from write off of refinancing

$ 31,900

Weighted average effective interest rate

8.80%

Initial fair value impact of prepayment option at inception date

$ 8,700

Liability amortized

6,900

7,800

Prepayment options

$ 27,926

6,928

8.875% Senior Notes [Member] | USD

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Borrowings before deferred financing costs

$ 500,000

8.875% Senior Notes [Member] | Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Deferred financing costs

$ 83,800

Former Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Interest rate on borrowing

8.875%

Former Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] | Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Borrowings amount

2,430,000

Former senior secured credit facilities, description

(i) LIBOR as periodically determined for interest rate periods selected by Telesat in accordance with the terms of the former senior secured credit facilities, but not less than 0.75%, plus an applicable margin of 2.50%; or (ii) Alternative Base Rate as determined in accordance with the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities plus an applicable margin of 2.00%. The weighted average effective interest rate for the 340-day period ended December 6, 2019 was 6.00% (Year ended December 31, 2018 — 5.83%).

Former Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Maturity date

Dec. 31, 2024

Revolving credit facility

$ 200,000

Percentage of unused commitment fee

0.50%

Former senior secured credit facilities, description

For Canadian Prime Rate and Alternative Base Rate (“ABR”) loans, an applicable margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.00% was applied to the Prime Rate and ABR as these interest rates are defined in the Senior Credit Facilities. For Bankers Acceptance (“BA”) Loans and Eurodollar Loans, an applicable margin ranging from 2.50% to 3.00% was applied to either the BA interest rate or LIBOR. The rates on the Revolving Facility varied depending upon the results of the first lien leverage ratio. The Revolving Facility had an unused commitment fee of 40 basis points. As at December 31, 2018, other than $0.3 million in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility.

6.0% Senior Notes [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Payments of debt

$ 550,000

Interest rate on notes

6.50%

Maturity date

Oct. 31, 2027

Description of notes

(i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, or issue disqualified stock or preferred shares, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends, or make certain restricted payments or investments, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) modify or cancel satellite insurance, (vi) consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of substantially all assets, (vii) create restrictions on the ability to pay dividends, make loans, and sell assets, and (viii) designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries. The weighted average effective interest rate for the 81-day period ended December 31, 2019 was 6.27%.

Interest rate on borrowing

6.50%

Initial fair value impact of premiums

$ 7,000

4.875% Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Payments of debt

$ 400,000

Interest rate on notes

4.875%

Maturity date

Jun. 30, 2027

Description of notes

The weighted average effective interest rate for the 25-day period ended December 31, 2019 was 4.76%.

Interest rate on borrowing

4.875%

6.5% Senior Notes and 4.875% Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Senior secured credit facilities, description

(i)     The U.S. TLB Facility, Senior Notes and Senior Secured Notes were presented on the balance sheet net of related deferred financing costs of $28.3 million as at December 31, 2019. The deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest method. (ii)    The indenture agreement for the Senior Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 28) which were fair valued at the time of debt issuance. The initial fair value impact, as at October 11, 2019, of the prepayment option related to the Senior Notes was a $17.8 million increase to the indebtedness. This liability is subsequently amortized using the effective interest method and had a carrying amount of $17.4 million as at December 31, 2019. (iii)   The indenture agreement for the Senior Secured Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 28) which were fair valued at the time of debt issuance. The initial fair value impact, as at December 6, 2019, of the prepayment option related to the Senior Secured Notes was a $10.6 million increase to the indebtedness. This liability is subsequently amortized using the effective interest method

8.875% Senior Notes [Member]

Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]

Former senior secured credit facilities, description

(i) The former U.S. TLB Facility and 8.875% Senior Notes were presented on the balance sheet net of related deferred financing costs as at December 31, 2018 of $83.8 million. The unamortized deferred financing costs for the 8.875% Senior Notes as at October 11, 2019 and the unamortized deferred financing costs for the former U.S. TLB Facility as at December 6, 2019, were written off against the loss on refinancing upon the repayment of the indebtedness. (ii) The indenture agreement for the 8.875% Senior Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 28) which were fair valued at the time of debt issuance. The initial fair value impact, in November 2016, of the prepayment option related to the 8.875% Senior Notes was an $8.7 million increase to the indebtedness. This liability is subsequently amortized using the effective interest method and had a carrying amount of $6.9 million as at December 31, 2018. Any unamortized prepayment option as at October 11, 2019, was written off against the loss on refinancing upon the repayment of the indebtedness. (iii) The initial fair value impact, in November 2016, of the interest rate floor on the former U.S. TLB Facility was a decrease to the indebtedness of $25.6 million. This asset is subsequently amortized using the effective interest method and had a carrying amount of $18.6 million as at December 31, 2018. Any unamortized interest rate floors as at December 6, 2019, were written off against the loss on refinancing upon the repayment of the indebtedness. (iv) The former U.S. TLB Facility was presented on the balance sheet net of the net loss/gain on repricing/repayment of $34.2 million as at December 31, 2018. The net gain on repricing/repayment arose from the following: • In connection with the adoption of IFRS 9, a gain on repricing of $36.1 million was recorded as a reduction of the indebtedness, effective January 1, 2018; • In connection with the $50 million U.S. dollars voluntary repayment in March 2018, a loss on repayment of $2.8 million was recorded as an increase to the indebtedness; and • In connection with the amendment to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities in April 2018, a gain on repricing of $6.9 million was recorded as a reduction of indebtedness.

[1]

The former Senior Notes bore interest at an annual rate of 8.875% (8.875% Senior Notes) with interest paying having been made in May and November annually. The total balance of the 8.875% Senior Notes was USD$500 million. The weighted average effective interest rate for the 284-day period ended October 11, 2019 was 8.80% (Year ended December 31, 2018 - 8.80%). The 8.875% Senior Notes were paid in full to the indenture trustee on October 11, 2019. The indenture agreement for the 8.875% Senior Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 28) which were fair valued at the time of debt issuance. The initial fair value impact, in November 2016, of the prepayment option related to the 8.875% Senior Notes was an $8.7 million increase to the indebtedness. This liability was subsequently amortized using the effective interest method and had a carrying amount of $6.9 million as at December 31, 2018. Any unamortized prepayment option as at October 11, 2019, were written off against loss on refinancing upon repayment of the indebtedness.

Share Capital (Details)

Share Capital (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Stated value	$ 154,895	$ 153,706
Common shares [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares	74,252,460	74,252,460
Stated value	$ 26,580	$ 26,580
Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares	7,034,444	7,034,444
Stated value	$ 48,246	$ 48,246
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares	38,477,137	38,431,311
Stated value	$ 80,059	$ 78,870
Director Voting Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares	1,000	1,000
Stated value	$ 10	$ 10

Share Capital (Details Narrativ

Share Capital (Details Narrative) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017CAD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018shares	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017CAD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2018shares	Dec. 31, 2015shares	Dec. 31, 2013shares	Dec. 31, 2008shares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of options granted			3,692,372
Special cash distribution to shareholders | $	$ 387,200		$ 387,200
Number of shares authorized			500,000	350,000	3,280,000	62,404	4,036,729	8,824,646
Senior Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares authorized			325,000		325,000
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of options granted		95,363		7,000
Number of options exercised		39,488		7,000
Value for stock options exercised | $				$ 100
Number of shares authorized			200,000
Director Voting Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares authorized			1,000
Dividends entitled per share if declared | $ / shares			$ 10
Redemption price per share | $ / shares			$ 10

Government Grant (Details)

Government Grant (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Government Grant [Abstract]
Agreement for non-refundable, description	Telesat entered into an agreement for a non-refundable government contribution of a value up to $85 million to July 31, 2023 relating to the LEO constellation.
Recorded relating to agreement		$ 5,000

Capital Disclosures (Details)

Capital Disclosures (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Capital Disclosures [Abstract]
Shareholders' equity (excluding reserves)	$ 1,185,950	$ 997,307
Debt financing (excluding deferred financing costs and prepayment options (December 31, 2018 - deferred financing costs, prepayment option, interest rate floor and net gain on repricing/repayment))	$ 3,713,192	$ 3,853,883

Financial Instruments (Details)

Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	$ 5,160,129
2020 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	264,351
2021 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	222,531
2022 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	220,141
2023 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	217,761
2024 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	214,507
Thereafter [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	4,020,838
Carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	3,820,231
Trade and other payables [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	26,247
Trade and other payables [Member] | 2020 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	26,247
Trade and other payables [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Trade and other payables [Member] | 2022 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Trade and other payables [Member] | 2024 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Trade and other payables [Member] | Thereafter [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Trade and other payables [Member] | Carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	26,247
Customer and other deposits [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	1,735
Customer and other deposits [Member] | 2020 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	1,277
Customer and other deposits [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	135
Customer and other deposits [Member] | 2022 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	18
Customer and other deposits [Member] | 2023 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	104
Customer and other deposits [Member] | 2024 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Customer and other deposits [Member] | Thereafter [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	201
Customer and other deposits [Member] | Carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	1,735
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	59,752
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member] | 2020 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	11,495
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	9,487
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member] | 2022 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	8,534
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member] | 2023 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	7,674
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member] | 2024 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	5,448
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member] | Thereafter [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	17,114
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member] | Carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	47,433
Other financial liabilities [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	3,659
Other financial liabilities [Member] | 2020 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	3,659
Other financial liabilities [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities [Member] | 2022 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities [Member] | 2023 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities [Member] | 2024 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities [Member] | Thereafter [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities [Member] | Carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	3,659
Indebtedness [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	5,067,951	[1]
Indebtedness [Member] | 2020 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	221,928	[1]
Indebtedness [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	212,311	[1]
Indebtedness [Member] | 2022 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	211,147	[1]
Indebtedness [Member] | 2023 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	209,983	[1]
Indebtedness [Member] | 2024 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	209,059	[1]
Indebtedness [Member] | Thereafter [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	4,003,523	[1]
Indebtedness [Member] | Carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	3,733,241	[1]
Interest rate swaps [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	1,181
Interest rate swaps [Member] | 2020 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	141
Interest rate swaps [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	598
Interest rate swaps [Member] | 2022 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	442
Interest rate swaps [Member] | 2023 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Interest rate swaps [Member] | 2024 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Thereafter [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Carrying amount [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	$ 7,916
[1]	Indebtedness excludes deferred financing costs and prepayment options.

Financial Instruments (Details

Financial Instruments (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Interest payable	$ 482
Interest payments	12,513
Other financial liabilities [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Interest payable	31
Interest payments	31
Indebtedness [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Interest payable	20,050
Interest payments	$ 1,354,759

Financial Instruments (Detail_2

Financial Instruments (Details 2) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 1,027,222		$ 768,433		$ 479,045	$ 782,406
Trade and other receivables		64,062		45,631
Other current financial assets		210		18,779
Other long-term financial assets		57,730		55,755
Trade and other payables		(26,247)		(30,659)
Other current financial liabilities		(38,281)		(26,386)
Other long-term financial liabilities		(42,511)		(54,521)
Indebtedness		3,713,192		3,853,883
FVTPL		24,905		46,795
Total		(2,671,007)		(3,076,851)
FVTPL [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Trade and other payables
Fair value [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Trade and other receivables		64,062		45,631
Trade and other payables		(26,247)		(30,659)
Total		(2,720,920)		(2,935,620)
FVTPL [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Total		24,905		46,795
Amortized Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Trade and other receivables		64,062		45,631
Trade and other payables		(26,247)		(30,659)
Total		(2,695,912)		(3,123,646)
Level 1 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents		1,027,222		768,433
Other current financial assets		210
Level 1 [Member] | Fair value [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents		1,027,222		768,433
Other current financial assets		210
Level 1 [Member] | FVTPL [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents
Other current financial assets
Level 1 [Member] | Amortized Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents		1,027,222		768,433
Other current financial assets		210
Level 1 & Level 2 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial assets				18,779
Other long-term financial assets		57,730	[1]	55,755
Level 1 & Level 2 [Member] | Fair value [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial assets				18,779
Other long-term financial assets		57,730	[1]	55,755
Level 1 & Level 2 [Member] | FVTPL [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial assets				18,632
Other long-term financial assets		32,821	[1]	33,796
Level 1 & Level 2 [Member] | Amortized Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial assets				147
Other long-term financial assets		24,909	[1]	21,959
Level 2 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial liabilities				(26,386)
Other long-term financial liabilities				(54,521)
Indebtedness	[2]			(3,853,883)
Level 2 [Member] | FVTPL [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial liabilities				(6)
Other long-term financial liabilities				(5,627)
Indebtedness	[2]
Level 2 [Member] | Amortized Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial liabilities				(26,380)
Other long-term financial liabilities				(48,894)
Indebtedness	[2]			(3,853,883)
Level 2 [Member] | Fair value [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial liabilities		(40,748)		(29,131)
Other long-term financial liabilities		(42,493)		(54,733)
Indebtedness		(3,760,656)	[3]	$ (3,709,695)	[2]
Level 2 [Member] | FVTPL [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial liabilities		(3,206)
Other long-term financial liabilities		(4,710)
Indebtedness	[3]
Level 2 [Member] | Amortized Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial liabilities		(35,075)
Other long-term financial liabilities		(37,801)
Indebtedness	[3]	$ (3,713,192)
[1]	Other current and long-term financial assets classified as fair value through profit or loss were calculated using level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. All other balances were calculated using level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
[2]	Indebtedness excludes deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment (December 31, 2017 - excludes deferred financing costs, interest rate floor and prepayment option).
[3]	Indebtedness excludes deferred financing costs and prepayment options (December 31, 2018 - deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment).

Financial Instruments (Detail_3

Financial Instruments (Details 3) - Recurring fair value measurement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
8.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Term Loan		104.44%
Senior Notes [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Term Loan	104.25%
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Term Loan	102.10%
Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member] | Former Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Term Loan		94.50%
Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member] | Senior secured credit facilities [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Term Loan	100.25%

Financial Instruments (Detail_4

Financial Instruments (Details 4) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial assets	$ 210	$ 18,779
Other long-term financial assets	57,730	55,755
Other current financial liabilities	38,281	26,386
Other long-term financial liabilities	42,511	54,521
Total	24,905	46,795
Level 2 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial liabilities		26,386
Other long-term financial liabilities		54,521
Level 2 [Member] | Interest rate floor [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial assets
Other long-term financial assets
Other current financial liabilities		(6)
Other long-term financial liabilities		(5,627)
Total		(5,633)
Level 2 [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial assets		18,632
Other long-term financial assets		16,650
Other current financial liabilities	(3,206)
Other long-term financial liabilities	(4,710)
Total	(7,916)	35,282
Level 2 [Member] | Prepayment option [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Other current financial assets
Other long-term financial assets	32,821	17,146
Other current financial liabilities
Other long-term financial liabilities
Total	$ 32,821	$ 17,146

Financial Instruments (Detail_5

Financial Instruments (Details 5) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair value, Beginning	$ 46,795
Derivatives recognized at inception
Prepayment option – Senior Notes (Note 24)	17,829
Prepayment option – Senior Secured Notes (Note 24)	10,562
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
Interest rate floor	5,368	$ 255
Prepayment option	(12,391)	(30,691)
Interest rate swaps	(42,649)	12,231
Impact of foreign exchange	(609)	5,643
Fair value, Ending	$ 24,905	$ 46,795

Financial Instruments (Detail_6

Financial Instruments (Details Textual) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Jul. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 02, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk			$ 1,149,200	$ 888,600
Allowance for doubtful accounts			1,779	5,136		$ 2,662
Borrowings before deferred financing costs			$ 3,713,192	3,853,883
Fixed interest rates			4.875%		4.65%
Short-term investments	[1]		$ 484,685	425,559		$ 90,673
Forward foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Net increase (loss) impact of 5 percent increase (decrease)			172,900	163,900
Other comprehensive income (loss) impact of 5 percent increase (decrease)			30,900	3,100
Interest rate floor [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Net income (loss) impact of 0.25 percent change in interest rates			$ 2,000	$ 1,800
Four Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Payments for exchange rate contracts		$ 7,000
Four Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | British Pound Sterling
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Proceeds from exchange rate contracts		$ 4,200
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Discount rate cash flow projections			5.20%	5.70%
North American [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Percentage of outstanding trade receivables			50.00%	59.00%
International customers [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Percentage of outstanding trade receivables			50.00%	41.00%
Bottom of range [Member] | USD
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Discount rate used to discount Canadian dollar cash flows			1.45%	2.29%
Top of range [Member] | USD
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Discount rate used to discount Canadian dollar cash flows			1.91%	2.81%
Term Loan B - Canadian Facility [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Variable interest rate			$ 1,350,000				$ 1,800,000
Term Loan B - Canadian Facility [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Fixed interest rates			1.84%				1.72%
Term Loan B - Canadian Facility [Member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Fixed interest rates			2.04%				2.04%
[1]	Consisted of short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less or which are available on demand with no penalty for early redemption.

Share-Based Compensation Plan_2

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2008
Share-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Number of options authorized	500,000	3,280,000	350,000	62,404	4,036,729	8,824,646

Share-Based Compensation Plan_3

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018shares$ / shares
Number of options
Granted	3,692,372
Time Vesting Option Plans [Member]
Number of options
Outstanding at beginning	7,102,864	3,464,197
Granted	522,372	3,692,372
Forfeited	(62,499)	(2,650)
Exercised	(18,120)	(51,055)
Expired
Outstanding at ending	7,544,617	7,102,864
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at beginning | $ / shares	$ 25.56	$ 24.85
Outstanding at ending | $ / shares	$ 25.63	$ 25.56
Performance Vesting Option Plans [Member]
Number of options
Outstanding at beginning	432,102	476,410
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised	(22,149)	(44,308)
Expired
Outstanding at ending	409,953	432,102
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at beginning | $ / shares	$ 11.07	$ 11.07
Outstanding at ending | $ / shares	$ 11.07	$ 11.07

Share-Based Compensation Plan_4

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details 2) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Granted	3,692,372
Restricted Stock [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Outstanding at beginning	200,000
Granted		200,000
Settled	(66,667)
Outstanding at ending	133,333	200,000

Share-Based Compensation Plan_5

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details 3) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Weighted average remaining life	7 years	7 years
Time Vesting Option Plans [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Quantity of stock options exercisable	4,762,335	3,689,117
Performance Vesting Option Plans [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Quantity of stock options exercisable	409,953	432,102

Share-Based Compensation Plan_6

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details 4) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Operating expenses	$ 16,035	$ 29,505	$ 2,856

Share-Based Compensation Plan_7

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details 5)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Dividend yield
Expected volatility	32.40%	31.70%	24.60%
Risk-free interest rate	2.93%	2.94%	1.83%
Expected life (years)	10 years	10 years	10 years

Share-Based Compensation Plan_8

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 02, 2018shares	Nov. 01, 2017shares	Aug. 31, 2017shares	Jan. 31, 2017CAD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017shares	Dec. 31, 2015shares	Dec. 31, 2013shares	Dec. 31, 2008shares
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Number of options authorized						500,000	3,280,000	350,000	62,404	4,036,729	8,824,646
Stock options vesting and exercisable period (in years)	3 years	5 years
Expiration period for stock options (in years)						10 years
Number of vested stock options repurchased for cash consideration	780,000	2,500,000
Special cash distribution to shareholders | $				$ 387,200		$ 387,200
Special payment to be paid to option holders | $						$ 12,800
Shares granted per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 12.84	$ 13.37
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Number of options authorized						200,000
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Number of options authorized							200,000
Stock options vesting and exercisable period (in years)							3 years
Time Vesting Option Plans [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Stock options vesting and exercisable period (in years)							5 years
Number of option exchange			805,835
Performance Vesting Option Plans [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Stock options vesting and exercisable period (in years)							5 years
Number of option exchange			805,835
Unvested Performance-Vesting Option [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Number of option exchange			715,383
Unvested Time-Vesting Options [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Number of option exchange			715,383
USD
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Special cash distribution to shareholders | $					$ 387,200

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated statements of income (loss)
Interest expense	$ 258,261	$ 237,786	$ 200,144
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)
Actuarial (gains) losses on employee benefit plans	1,134	7,755	(5,171)
Pension plans [Member]
Consolidated statements of income (loss)
Operating expenses	6,198	6,345	6,239
Interest expense	524	658	650
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)
Actuarial (gains) losses on employee benefit plans	(3,325)	(4,555)	3,761
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member]
Consolidated statements of income (loss)
Operating expenses	116	276	243
Interest expense	815	830	861
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)
Actuarial (gains) losses on employee benefit plans	$ 2,191	$ (3,200)	$ 1,410

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_2

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 1) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Accrued benefit liabilities	$ 32,074	$ 32,235
Pension plans [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Accrued benefit liabilities	8,566	10,905
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Accrued benefit liabilities	$ 23,508	$ 21,330

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_3

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Remeasurements
Accrued benefit liabilities, at end of year	$ 32,074	$ 32,235
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member]
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligation, at beginning of year	315,299	331,677
Current service cost	5,817	6,181
Interest expense	12,056	11,666
Remeasurements
Actuarial losses arising from plan experience	2,008	(1,719)
Actuarial losses from change in demographic assumptions	16	(9,435)
Actuarial losses from changes in financial assumptions	30,471	(14,552)
Benefits paid	(10,241)	(9,933)
Contributions by plan participants	1,091	1,146
Foreign exchange	(186)	297
Other		(29)
Benefit obligation, at end of year	356,331	315,299
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, at beginning of year	(283,064)	(291,612)
Contributions by plan participants	(1,091)	(1,146)
Contributions by employer	(6,494)	(8,452)
Interest income	(10,717)	(10,178)
Benefits paid	10,241	9,933
Remeasurements
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income	(33,629)	17,951
Administrative costs	497	440
Fair value of plan assets, at end of year	(324,257)	(283,064)
Accrued benefit liabilities, at end of year	32,074	32,235
Plan assets [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, at beginning of year	(283,064)
Contributions by plan participants	(1,091)	(1,146)
Contributions by employer	(6,494)	(8,452)
Interest income	(10,717)	(10,178)
Benefits paid	10,241	9,933
Remeasurements
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income	(33,629)	17,951
Administrative costs	497	440
Fair value of plan assets, at end of year	(324,257)	(283,064)
Pension plans [Member]
Remeasurements
Accrued benefit liabilities, at end of year	8,566	10,905
Pension plans [Member] | Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member]
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligation, at beginning of year	293,969	307,781
Current service cost	5,701	5,905
Interest expense	11,241	10,836
Remeasurements
Actuarial losses arising from plan experience	1,773	(1,018)
Actuarial losses from change in demographic assumptions		(8,363)
Actuarial losses from changes in financial assumptions	28,531	(13,125)
Benefits paid	(9,483)	(9,190)
Contributions by plan participants	1,091	1,146
Foreign exchange
Other		(3)
Benefit obligation, at end of year	332,823	293,969
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, at beginning of year	(283,064)	(291,612)
Contributions by plan participants	(1,091)	(1,146)
Contributions by employer	(5,736)	(7,709)
Interest income	(10,717)	(10,178)
Benefits paid	9,483	9,190
Remeasurements
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income	(33,629)	17,951
Administrative costs	497	440
Fair value of plan assets, at end of year	(324,257)	(283,064)
Accrued benefit liabilities, at end of year	8,566	10,905
Pension plans [Member] | Plan assets [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, at beginning of year	(283,064)
Contributions by plan participants	(1,091)	(1,146)
Contributions by employer	(5,736)	(7,709)
Interest income	(10,717)	(10,178)
Benefits paid	9,483	9,190
Remeasurements
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income	(33,629)	17,951
Administrative costs	497	440
Fair value of plan assets, at end of year	(324,257)	(283,064)
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member]
Remeasurements
Accrued benefit liabilities, at end of year	23,508	21,330
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member] | Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member]
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligation, at beginning of year	21,330	23,896
Current service cost	116	276
Interest expense	815	830
Remeasurements
Actuarial losses arising from plan experience	235	(701)
Actuarial losses from change in demographic assumptions	16	(1,072)
Actuarial losses from changes in financial assumptions	1,940	(1,427)
Benefits paid	(758)	(743)
Contributions by plan participants
Foreign exchange	(186)	297
Other		(26)
Benefit obligation, at end of year	23,508	21,330
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, at beginning of year
Contributions by plan participants
Contributions by employer	(758)	(743)
Interest income
Benefits paid	758	743
Remeasurements
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income
Administrative costs
Fair value of plan assets, at end of year
Accrued benefit liabilities, at end of year	23,508	21,330
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member] | Plan assets [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, at beginning of year
Contributions by plan participants
Contributions by employer	(758)	(743)
Interest income
Benefits paid	758	743
Remeasurements
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income
Administrative costs
Fair value of plan assets, at end of year

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_4

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Pension plans [Member] | 2020 [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Estimated future benefit payments	$ 10,848
Pension plans [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Estimated future benefit payments	11,451
Pension plans [Member] | 2022 [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Estimated future benefit payments	12,007
Pension plans [Member] | 2023 [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Estimated future benefit payments	12,649
Pension plans [Member] | 2024 [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Estimated future benefit payments	13,368
Pension plans [Member] | 2025 to 2029 [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Estimated future benefit payments	76,594
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member] | 2020 [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Estimated future benefit payments	861
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Estimated future benefit payments	894
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member] | 2022 [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Estimated future benefit payments	929
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member] | 2023 [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Estimated future benefit payments	964
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member] | 2024 [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Estimated future benefit payments	1,000
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member] | 2025 to 2029 [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Estimated future benefit payments	$ 6,409

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_5

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity securities [Member] | CANADA
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Fair value plan assets	22.30%	20.80%
Equity securities [Member] | UNITED STATES
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Fair value plan assets	19.80%	12.70%
Equity securities [Member] | INTERNATIONAL
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Fair value plan assets	14.10%	18.10%
Fixed income instruments [Member] | CANADA
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Fair value plan assets	41.20%	45.70%
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | CANADA
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Fair value plan assets	2.60%	2.70%

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_6

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 5)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension plans [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate	3.20%	3.80%
Discount rate	3.90%	3.60%
Future salary growth	2.50%	2.50%
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Health care cost trend rate		4.50%
Other medical trend rates		4.50%
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member] | Bottom of range [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate	2.95%	3.80%
Discount rate	3.90%	3.25%
Health care cost trend rate	3.49%
Other medical trend rates	4.00%
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member] | Top of range [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate	3.20%	4.00%
Discount rate	4.00%	3.60%
Health care cost trend rate	5.49%
Other medical trend rates	4.56%

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_7

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 6) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension plans [Member] | Discount rate [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
1% increase	$ (45,385)	$ (39,145)
1% decrease	57,745	49,361
Pension plans [Member] | Future salary growth [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
1% increase	9,856	7,572
1% decrease	(8,874)	(6,919)
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member] | Discount rate [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
1% increase	(2,751)	(2,471)
1% decrease	3,576	3,224
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member] | Medical and dental trend rates [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
1% increase	2,018	1,703
1% decrease	$ (1,531)	$ (1,280)

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_8

Employee Benefit Plans (Details Narrative) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Contributions to defined benefit plans	$ 1,200	$ 900
Description of medical trend rate	For certain Canadian post-retirement plans the above trend rates are applicable for 2019 to 2024 which will increase linearly to 4.75% in 2029 and grading down to an ultimate rate of 3.57% per annum in 2040 and thereafter.
Expected contributions for next fiscal year	$ 5,100
Expected defined contributions for next fiscal year	$ 600
Pension plans [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation	16 years
Weighted average duration of current service cost	23 years
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation	15 years
Weighted average duration of current service cost	28 years

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash		$ 542,537	$ 342,874	$ 388,372
Short-term investments	[1]	484,685	425,559	90,673
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 1,027,222	$ 768,433	$ 479,045	$ 782,406
[1]	Consisted of short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less or which are available on demand with no penalty for early redemption.

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_4

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details 1) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income taxes paid	$ (101,952)	$ (109,193)	$ (85,503)
Income taxes received	6,497	2,885	22,512
Income taxes paid, net of income taxes received	$ (95,455)	$ (106,308)	$ (62,991)

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_5

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details 2) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid	$ (195,671)	$ (207,339)	$ (219,773)
Interest received	19,559	11,802	6,201
Capitalized interest		19,120	18,324
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest and interest received	$ (176,112)	$ (176,417)	$ (195,248)

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_6

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details 3) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 11, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation Liabilities [Roll Forward]
Debt issue costs	$ 7,400	$ 28,082	$ 10,190	$ 42,867
Prepayment option at inception - Senior Notes		17,829
Prepayment option at inception - Senior Secured Notes		10,562
Interest paid		13,800
Capital Lease [Member]
Reconciliation Liabilities [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		369	369
Cash outflows		(1,252)	(29)	(30)
Cash inflows
Write off of debt issue costs, interest rate floors, prepayment option and premiums
Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment
Loss on voluntary payment (Note 24)
Gain on repricing (Note 24)
Debt issue costs
Debt issue costs accrued
Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 3)		26,851
Non-cash additions		2,775
Interest paid		(984)
Interest accrued		1,288
Other		(236)		2
Impact of foreign exchange		(229)	29	(25)
Ending balance		28,582	369	369
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Reconciliation Liabilities [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		58,913	62,961
Cash outflows		(9,644)	(9,037)	(8,436)
Cash inflows
Write off of debt issue costs, interest rate floors, prepayment option and premiums
Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment
Loss on voluntary payment (Note 24)
Gain on repricing (Note 24)
Debt issue costs
Debt issue costs accrued
Prepayment option at inception - Senior Notes
Prepayment option at inception - Senior Secured Notes
Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 3)
Non-cash additions
Other		296	191	18
Impact of foreign exchange		(2,614)	4,798	(4,606)
Ending balance		46,951	58,913	62,961
Indebtedness [Member]
Reconciliation Liabilities [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		3,724,228	3,543,377	3,856,097	[1]
Cash outflows		(3,743,465)	(94,951)	(31,620)
Cash inflows		3,786,082
Write off of debt issue costs, interest rate floors, prepayment option and premiums		107,065
Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment		22,461	22,497	14,988
Loss on voluntary payment (Note 24)			2,828
Gain on repricing (Note 24)			(6,901)
Debt issue costs		(28,082)	(10,190)	(42,867)
Debt issue costs accrued		(573)
Prepayment option at inception - Senior Notes		17,829
Prepayment option at inception - Senior Secured Notes		10,562
Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 3)			(36,072)
Non-cash additions
Interest paid
Interest accrued
Other
Impact of foreign exchange		(183,308)	303,640	(253,221)
Ending balance		$ 3,712,799	$ 3,724,228	$ 3,543,377
[1]	Balance of the indebtedness as at January 1, 2017, included $4,459 of accrued debt issue costs associated with the November 2016 refinancing which were paid in 2017.

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_7

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details 4) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Trade and other receivables	$ (16,113)	$ 22,056	$ (13,272)
Financial assets	(3,897)	(210)	3,975
Other assets	(13,183)	371	12,848
Trade and other payables	1,685	(4,695)	6,947
Financial liabilities	(2,125)	(1,026)	(13,748)
Other liabilities	19,691	72,317	51,502
Operating assets and liabilities	$ (13,942)	$ 88,813	$ 48,252

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_8

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details 5) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Satellites, property and other equipment	$ 29,234	$ 3,795	$ 9,515
Intangible assets	$ (3,263)	$ 3,635	$ (128)

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_9

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details Textual) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 02, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Interest rate		4.875%	4.65%
4.875% Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Interest rate		4.875%
Senior secured credit facilities one[Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Interest rate		6.50%
Indebtedness [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Accrued debt issue costs	$ 4,459

Commitments and Contingent Li_3

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	$ 109,202
Operating Property Leases [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	18,511
Capital Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	41,945
Other Operating Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	48,746
2020 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	37,129
2020 [Member] | Operating Property Leases [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	1,087
2020 [Member] | Capital Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	15,510
2020 [Member] | Other Operating Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	20,532
2021 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	34,922
2021 [Member] | Operating Property Leases [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	1,242
2021 [Member] | Capital Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	21,628
2021 [Member] | Other Operating Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	12,052
2022 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	10,396
2022 [Member] | Operating Property Leases [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	1,032
2022 [Member] | Capital Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	4,807
2022 [Member] | Other Operating Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	4,557
2023 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	4,435
2023 [Member] | Operating Property Leases [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	1,000
2023 [Member] | Capital Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations
2023 [Member] | Other Operating Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	3,435
2024 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	3,704
2024 [Member] | Operating Property Leases [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	1,001
2024 [Member] | Capital Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations
2024 [Member] | Other Operating Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	2,703
Thereafter [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	18,616
Thereafter [Member] | Operating Property Leases [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	13,149
Thereafter [Member] | Capital Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations
Thereafter [Member] | Other Operating Commitments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Contractual obligations	$ 5,467

Commitments and Contingent Li_4

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details Narrative) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of contingent liabilities in business combination [line items]
Customer prepayments	$ 440,300	$ 503,400
Brazilian Tax Authorities [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities in business combination [line items]
Additional taxes and interest	36,800
Canada Revenue Agency [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities in business combination [line items]
Additional taxes and interest	71,200
Canadian Tax Authorities [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities in business combination [line items]
Additional taxes and interest	$ 9,000

Subsidiaries (Details)

Subsidiaries (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Infosat Communications LP [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Country	Canada	Canada
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%	100.00%
Telesat Spectrum General Partnership [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Country	Canada	Canada
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%	100.00%
10680451 Canada Inc. [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Country	Canada	Canada
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%	100.00%
Skynet Satellite Corporation [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Country	United States	United States
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%	100.00%
Telesat Network Services, Inc. [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Country	United States	United States
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%	100.00%
The SpaceConnection Inc. [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Country	United States	United States
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%	100.00%
Telesat Satellite LP [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Country	United States	United States
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%	100.00%
Infosat Able Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Country	United States	United States
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%	100.00%
Telesat Brasil Capacidade de Satelites Ltda. [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Country	Brazil	Brazil
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%	100.00%
Telesat (IOM) Limited [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Country	Isle of Man	Isle of Man
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%	100.00%
Telesat International Limited [Member]
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Country	United Kingdom	United Kingdom
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%	100.00%

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related party transactions [abstract]
Short-term benefits (including salaries)		$ 11,051	$ 16,853	$ 10,037
Special payments	[1]	948	2,904	9,006
Post-employment benefits		2,773	2,510	2,458
Share-based payments		15,649	29,016	2,820
Compensation of executives and Board level directors		$ 30,421	$ 51,283	$ 24,321
[1]	Balance relates to the special cash distribution effective January 25, 2017.

Related Party Transactions (D_2

Related Party Transactions (Details 1) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Revenue (Sale of goods and services, interest income)	$ 8,556	$ 23,954	$ 15,123
Operating expenses (Purchase of goods and services, interest expense)	165,499	185,827	187,687
Loral Holdings Corporation [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Revenue (Sale of goods and services, interest income)	133	128	128
Operating expenses (Purchase of goods and services, interest expense)	$ 6,645	$ 6,456	$ 6,518

Related Party Transactions (D_3

Related Party Transactions (Details 2) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Current receivables		$ 28
Loral Holdings Corporation [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Current receivables		28
Current payables	$ 204

Related Party Transactions (D_4

Related Party Transactions (Details Narrative) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019shares	Jun. 30, 2018shares	Aug. 31, 2017shares	Jan. 31, 2017CAD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017CAD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018shares	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Special cash distribution to shareholders | $				$ 387,200			$ 387,200
Number of options granted							3,692,372
Contributions made to defined benefit pension plans | $							$ 5,700	$ 7,700
Performance Vesting Option Plans [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Number of options granted
Number of option exchange			805,835
Time Vesting Option Plans [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Number of options granted							522,372	3,692,372
Number of option exchange			805,835
Performance Unvesting Option Plans [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Number of option exchange			715,383
Time Unvesting Option Plans [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Number of options granted			715,383
USD
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Special cash distribution to shareholders | $					$ 387,200
USD | Red Isle Private Investment Inc. [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Special cash distribution to shareholders | $					138,500
USD | Loral Holdings Corporation [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Special cash distribution to shareholders | $					$ 242,700
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Number of options granted						95,363			7,000
Key Management Personnel Of Entity Or Parent [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Share appreciation exercised	40,269	95,363
Shares restricted units							66,667
Number of shares issued							3,630,000
Description of vesting peiod							Telesat issued 500,000 time-vesting options to certain key management personnel, which vest over a five-year period.	Telesat issued 3,630,000 time-vesting options to certain key management personnel. Of this balance, 2,850,000 options vest over a five-year period, while 780,000 vest over a three-year period. In addition, 200,000 restricted share units were granted during 2018 which vest over a three-year period and are expected to be settled with Non-Voting Participating Preferred shares.
Key Management Personnel Of Entity Or Parent [Member] | Time Vesting Option Plans [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Number of options granted			682,550
Key Management Personnel Of Entity Or Parent [Member] | Time Unvesting Option Plans [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Number of options granted			613,316
Description of vesting peiod			A portion of the new unvested time-vesting options will vest upon the next anniversary date of the option holder with the remainder vesting evenly over a three-year period commencing on the sixth anniversary date.
Key Management Personnel Of Entity Or Parent [Member] | Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Share appreciation exercised		39,488
Key Management Personnel Of Entity Or Parent [Member] | Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Share appreciation exercised	14,846
Shares restricted units							30,980