Telesat Canada 20-F 4 Mar 21 2020 FY Annual report (foreign) Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020shares
Document Information Line Items
Entity Registrant Name	Telesat Canada
Document Type	20-F
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001465191
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	333-159793-01
Document Annual Report	true
Document Shell Company Report	false
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	A6
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Common Stock
Document Information Line Items
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	74,252,460
Director Voting Preferred Shares
Document Information Line Items
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,000
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares
Document Information Line Items
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	38,508,117
Voting Participating Preferred Shares
Document Information Line Items
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	7,034,444

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 820,468	$ 910,893	$ 902,932
Operating expenses	(180,874)	(165,499)	(185,827)
Depreciation	(216,885)	(242,966)	(224,851)
Amortization	(17,195)	(23,277)	(24,305)
Other operating (losses) gains, net	(215)	(862)	743
Operating income	405,299	478,289	468,692
Interest expense	(203,760)	(258,261)	(237,786)
Loss on refinancing		(151,919)
Interest and other income	5,196	20,043	16,498
Loss on changes in fair value of financial instruments	(13,115)	(49,672)	(18,205)
Gain (loss) on foreign exchange	47,605	163,840	(259,079)
Income (loss) before tax	241,225	202,320	(29,880)
Tax recovery (expense)	4,353	(15,122)	(61,056)
Net income (loss)	$ 245,578	$ 187,198	$ (90,936)

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 245,578	$ 187,198	$ (90,936)
Items that may be reclassified into profit or loss
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(32,422)	(50,465)	44,459
Items that will not be reclassified into profit or loss
Actuarial (losses) gains on employee benefit plans	(13,693)	1,134	7,755
Tax recovery (expense)	3,584	(403)	(2,031)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(42,531)	(49,734)	50,183
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 203,047	$ 137,464	$ (40,753)

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
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 26,580	$ 126,102	$ 152,682	$ 968,408	$ 31,549	$ (9,818)	$ 21,731	$ 1,142,821
Net income (loss)				(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
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	26,580	127,126	153,706	843,601	60,715	34,963	95,678	1,092,985
Net income (loss)				187,198				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
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	26,580	128,315	154,895	1,031,055	74,877	(15,502)	59,375	1,245,325
Net income (loss)				245,578				245,578
Dividends declared on Director Voting Preferred shares				(10)				(10)
Issuance of share capital on settlement of restricted share units		803	803		(1,729)		(1,729)	(926)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax expense				(10,109)		(32,422)	(32,422)	(42,531)
Share-based compensation					12,500		12,500	12,500
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 26,580	$ 129,118	$ 155,698	$ 1,266,514	$ 85,648	$ (47,924)	$ 37,724	$ 1,459,936

Consolidated Statements of Ch_2

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) income tax (expense) recovery	$ 3,584	$ 403	$ 2,031

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 818,378	$ 1,027,222
Trade and other receivables	51,928	64,062
Other current financial assets	448	210
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	22,861	43,724
Total current assets	893,615	1,135,218
Satellites, property and other equipment	1,318,526	1,458,933
Deferred tax assets	79,912	12,412
Other long-term financial assets	53,425	57,730
Other long-term assets	9,922	8,264
Intangible assets	779,190	802,791
Goodwill	2,446,603	2,446,603
Total assets	5,581,193	5,921,951
Liabilities
Trade and other payables	30,091	26,247
Other current financial liabilities	35,880	38,281
Other current liabilities	96,155	72,315
Current indebtedness		24,408
Total current liabilities	162,126	161,251
Long-term indebtedness	3,187,152	3,688,391
Deferred tax liabilities	325,893	348,762
Other long-term financial liabilities	35,499	42,511
Other long-term liabilities	410,587	435,711
Total liabilities	4,121,257	4,676,626
Shareholders’ Equity
Share capital	155,698	154,895
Accumulated earnings	1,266,514	1,031,055
Reserves	37,724	59,375
Total shareholders’ equity	1,459,936	1,245,325
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 5,581,193	$ 5,921,951

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 245,578	$ 187,198	$ (90,936)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation	216,885	242,966	224,851
Amortization	17,195	23,277	24,305
Tax (recovery) expense	(4,353)	15,122	61,056
Interest expense	203,760	258,261	237,786
Interest income	(7,668)	(20,268)	(12,415)
(Gain) loss on foreign exchange	(47,605)	(163,840)	259,079
Loss on changes in fair value of financial instruments	13,115	49,672	18,205
Share-based compensation	12,500	16,035	29,505
Loss on disposal of assets	215	862	353
Loss on refinancing		151,919
Other	(58,784)	(100,078)	(91,580)
Income taxes paid, net of income taxes received	(53,443)	(95,455)	(106,308)
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest and interest received	(179,972)	(176,112)	(176,417)
Operating assets and liabilities	15,018	(13,942)	88,813
Net cash from operating activities	372,441	375,617	466,297
Cash flows used in investing activities
Satellite programs, including capitalized interest	(75,902)	(3,668)	(67,387)
Purchase of property and other equipment	(17,060)	(8,345)	(15,997)
Purchase of intangible assets	(30)	(27,597)	(19,923)
Net cash used in investing activities	(92,992)	(39,610)	(103,307)
Cash flows used in financing activities
Repayment of indebtedness	(453,592)	(3,743,465)	(94,951)
Proceeds from indebtedness		3,786,082
Payment of early redemption premium		(43,940)
Payment of debt issue costs		(28,082)	(10,190)
Payments of principal on lease liabilities	(1,793)	(1,252)	(29)
Satellite performance incentive payments	(9,031)	(9,644)	(9,037)
Government grant received	14,185
Dividends paid on Director Voting preferred shares	(10)	(20)
Net cash used in financing activities	(450,241)	(40,321)	(114,207)
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(38,052)	(36,897)	40,605
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(208,844)	258,789	289,388
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	1,027,222	768,433	479,045
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$ 818,378	$ 1,027,222	$ 768,433

Background of the Company

Background of the Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 global satellite operator, providing mission-critical communications solutions to support the requirements of sophisticated satellite users throughout the world. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, the Company’s state-of-the-art fleet consists of 15 geostationary satellites and the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1. The Company has commenced the development of a constellation of low earth orbit (“LEO”) satellites and integrated terrestrial infrastructure, called “Telesat Lightspeed”. In January 2018, the first LEO satellite was successfully launched into orbit. This Phase 1 LEO satellite has demonstrated certain key features of the Telesat Lightspeed system design, specifically the capability of the satellite and customer terminals to deliver a low latency broadband experience. As at December 31, 2020, Loral Space and Communications Inc. (“Loral”) and Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP Investments”) indirectly held economic interests in Telesat of approximately 63% and 36%, respectively, with the remaining economic interest held by various individuals. Loral indirectly held a voting interest of 33% on all matters including the election of directors. PSP Investments indirectly held a voting interest of 67% on all matters except for the election of directors, and a 29% voting interest for the election of directors. The remaining voting interest of 38% for the election of directors is held by shareholders of the Company’s Director Voting Preferred Shares. 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 March 3, 2021, these financial statements were approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and authorized for issue.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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”). The accounting policies described in Note 3 were consistently applied. 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 32. 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.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3. 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 services to its broadcast, enterprise and consulting customers around the world. Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker, who is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. To be reported, a segment is usually based on quantitative thresholds but can also encompass qualitative factors management deems significant. 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 operations, foreign currency non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at their historical exchange rates, foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the year end exchange rates, and foreign denominated revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates of the month in which the transactions occurred. Gains or losses on translation of these items are recognized as a component of net income (loss). 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 investments and restricted cash expected to be used within the next twelve months. 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: ● Consulting revenue for cost plus contracts is recognized as the approved time and labor is completed by Telesat. ● Fixed price consulting revenue contracts use an input method to determine the progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. The input method is measured by comparing actual cost incurred to total cost expected. 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 selling price. Transactions are evaluated to determine whether the Company is the principal and if the transactions should be recorded on a gross or net basis. 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 liabilities. Deferred revenue consists of remuneration received in advance of the provision of service and in the majority of cases is recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the term of the related customer contracts. In the case of certain deferred revenue for short-term services, balances are recognized into income upon the completion or percentage completion of the related contract. Prepayments are evaluated to determine whether or not they constitute a significant financing component. The Company has elected a practical expedient whereby if the timing difference between the customer prepayment and the transfer of control of the promised goods and services is less than a year then it would not be considered as a significant financing component. A significant financing component will only occur in the following circumstances: ● There is a timing difference between when the control of goods or services is transferred to the customer and when the customer pays for the goods; ● The timing difference between the customer prepayment and transfer of control of the promised goods and services is in excess of one year; and ● The primary reason for the prepayment is for financing purposes. 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 asset and lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured based on the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use assets are depreciated to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the asset or the end of the lease term. Each individual lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments over the respective lease term, discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate for that lease. The lease term is the non-cancellable period determined for each of the leases considering the option to extend when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option or the option to terminate if it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option. After the commencement date, the right-of-use assets are measured applying the cost model and depreciated to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the asset or the end of the lease term on a straight-line basis. The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect the interest on the lease, using the effective interest method, and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made. 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 asset, or is recorded in the statement of income if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero. The Company has elected to not recognize a right-of-use asset or lease liability for any lease that has a lease term of 12 months or less. The payments associated with these agreements would be recognized as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has also elected the practical expedient, for property leases, not to separate the non-lease components from the lease components, and instead account for each lease and any associated non-lease components within the contract as a single lease component. 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 method over the respective estimated useful lives of the assets. Below are the estimated useful lives in years of satellites, property and other equipment as at December 31, 2020. Years Satellites 12 to 15 Right-of-use assets 2 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 satellite failure, all unamortized costs that are not recoverable under launch or in-orbit insurance are recorded in other operating (losses) gains, net. 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 method of amortization, except for revenue backlog which is based on the expected period of recognition of the related revenue. Below are the estimated useful lives in years of the finite life intangible assets as at December 31, 2020. Years Revenue backlog 17 Customer relationships 20 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. With the exception of trade name, which have not been allocated to any CGU and are tested for impairment at the asset level, indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment at the CGU level. In the case of orbital slots, the CGU is based on geography. 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 CGU, 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 assumptions such as: i) the market penetration leading to revenue growth; ii) the profit margin; iii) the duration and profile of the build-up period; iv) the estimated start-up costs and losses incurred during the build-up period; and v) the discount rate. Fair value less costs of disposal is the price that would be received to sell the CGU 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 slots 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 CGU. 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 flows 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 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: ● Amortized cost: The financial assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost in accordance with the effective interest method. The amortized cost is reduced by any impairment losses; and ● FVTPL: These financial assets are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of income (loss) as part of loss on changes in fair value of financial instruments. 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 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 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 instrument contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risk and characteristics are not closely related to those of the host contract and the host contract is measured separately according to its characteristics. The Company accounts for embedded foreign currency derivatives and the related host contract as a single instrument where the contract requires payments denominated in the currency that is commonly used in contracts to procure non-financial items in the economic environment in which the Company transacts. 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 are included in current and long-term indebtedness and are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. All other debt issuance costs are accounted for as short-term and long-term deferred charges and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets. The deferred charges are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the indebtedness to which they relate. Employee Benefit Plans Telesat maintains one contributory and three non-contributory defined benefit pension plans which provide benefits based on length of service and rate of pay. Two of these defined-benefit plans were closed to new members in 2013. Telesat is responsible for adequately funding the defined benefit pension plans. Contributions are made based on actuarial cost methods that are permitted by pension regulatory bodies and reflect assumptions about future investment returns, salary projections and future service benefits. Telesat also provides other post-employment and retirement benefits, including health care and life insurance benefits on retirement and various disability plans, worker’s compensation and medical benefits to former or inactive employees, their beneficiaries and covered dependents, after employment but before retirement, under certain circumstances. In addition, Telesat provides defined contribution pension plans, under certain circumstances, 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 the December 2020 Revision to the Educational Note on Setting the Accounting Discount Rate Assumption for Pension and Post-employment Benefit Plans. 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 basis over the average remaining vesting period. A valuation is performed at least every three years to determine the present value of the accrued pension and other retirement benefits. 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 2020 was determined based on membership data as at December 31, 2018. The accrued benefit obligation as at December 31, 2020 was determined based on the membership data as at December 31, 2019, and extrapolated one year based on December 31, 2020 assumptions. For certain Canadian post-retirement benefits, the expense for 2020 was based on membership and eligibility data as at September 30, 2018 and the accrued benefit obligations as at December 31, 2020 was based on membership data as at September 30, 2018. The accrued benefit obligation for certain American post-retirement benefits as at December 31, 2020 was determined based on membership data as at January 1, 2019, and extrapolated, based on December 31, 2020 assumptions. The most recent valuation of the pension plans for funding purposes was as of December 31, 2019. Valuations will be performed for the pension plans as of December 31, 2020. Telesat also provides health care and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. These benefits are funded primarily on a pay-as-you-go basis, with the retiree paying a portion of the cost through contributions, deductibles and co-insurance provisions. Commencing in 2015, as a result of an amendment to one of the plans, Telesat has contributed to a health reimbursement account instead of providing the health care and life insurance benefits directly to certain retired employees. Share-Based Compensation Plans The Company offers equity-settled share-based compensation plans for certain key employees under which it receives services from employees in exchange for equity instruments of the Company. The expense is based on the fair value of the awards granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are satisfied, with a corresponding increase in equity. F

Critical Accounting Judgments a

Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates [Abstract]
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES	4. 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 3. 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 3. 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 tax laws. Management uses significant judgment when determining the worldwide provision for tax, and estimates provisions for uncertain tax positions as the amounts expected to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant factors. In the assessment, management considers risk with respect to tax matters under active discussion, audit, dispute or appeal with tax authorities, or which are otherwise considered to involve uncertainty. Management reviews the provisions as at each balance sheet date. 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 $30.3 million and $18.0 million, respectively, as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 — $32.8 million and $7.9 million, respectively). 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 inputs. The determination of fair value is significantly impacted by the assumptions used for the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and discount rates. As a result, the fair value of financial assets and liabilities and the amount of loss on changes in fair value of financial instruments recorded to net income (loss) could vary. Impairment of goodwill Goodwill represented $2,446.6 million of total assets as at December 31, 2020 and 2019. Determining whether goodwill is impaired using a quantitative approach requires an estimation of the Company’s value which requires management to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from operations and to make assumptions regarding economic factors, tax rates and annual growth rates. Actual operating results and the related cash flows of the Company could differ from the estimates used for the impairment analysis. Impairment of intangible assets Intangible assets represented $779.2 million of total assets as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 — $802.8 million). Impairment of intangible assets is tested annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment or reversal of a prior impairment loss exist. If a quantitative impairment analysis is required, it would require the Company to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from operations and to make assumptions regarding economic factors, discount rates, tax rates and annual growth rates. Significant judgments are made in establishing these assumptions. Actual operating results and the related cash flows of the Company could differ from the estimates used for the impairment analysis. Employee benefits The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefits, and the present value of the pension obligation are determined using actuarial valuations. An actuarial valuation involves making various assumptions which may differ from actual developments in the future. These include the determination of the discount rate, future salary increases, mortality rates, future pension increases and return on plan assets. Due to the complexity of the valuation, the underlying assumptions, and its long-term nature, the defined benefit obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed annually. Share-based compensation The expense for stock options is based on the fair value of the awards granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model includes estimates of the dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and the expected life in years. Any changes in these estimates may have a significant impact on the amounts reported. 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, 2020
Disclosure of Segment Information [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	5. SEGMENT INFORMATION Telesat operates in a single operating segment, in which it provides satellite-based services to its broadcast, enterprise and consulting customers around the world. The Company derives revenue from the following services: Broadcast Enterprise Consulting and other Revenue derived from the above services were as follows: Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Broadcast $ 411,407 $ 444,478 $ 455,125 Enterprise 389,696 444,732 428,226 Consulting and other 19,365 21,683 19,581 Revenue $ 820,468 $ 910,893 $ 902,932 Equipment sales included within the various services were as follows: Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Broadcast $ 1,300 $ 233 $ 315 Enterprise 13,693 8,323 23,639 Total equipment sales $ 14,993 $ 8,556 $ 23,954 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, 2020 2019 2018 Canada $ 362,939 $ 395,235 $ 417,692 United States 307,433 329,634 318,779 Europe, Middle East & Africa 44,710 50,911 61,317 Latin America & Caribbean 64,024 73,120 75,011 Asia & Australia 41,362 61,993 30,133 Revenue $ 820,468 $ 910,893 $ 902,932 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, 2020 2019 Canada $ 624,303 $ 682,518 Europe, Middle East & Africa 619,959 685,562 United States 71,659 88,360 All others 2,605 2,493 Satellites, property and other equipment $ 1,318,526 $ 1,458,933 As at December 31, 2020 2019 Canada $ 718,880 $ 733,880 United States 38,448 39,395 Latin America & Caribbean 15,114 21,908 All others 6,748 7,608 Intangible assets $ 779,190 $ 802,791 Other long-term assets by geographic regions were allocated as follows: As at December 31 2020 2019 Canada $ 9,470 $ 7,624 Europe, Middle East & Africa 452 640 Other long-term assets $ 9,922 $ 8,264 Goodwill was not allocated to geographic regions. Major Customers For the year ended December 31, 2020, there were two significant customers (for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 – three customers) each representing more than 10% of consolidated revenue.

Operating Expenses

Operating Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Operating Expenses [Abstract]
OPERATING EXPENSES	6. OPERATING EXPENSES Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Compensation and employee benefits (a) $ 89,882 $ 87,943 $ 98,350 Other operating expenses (b) 57,622 40,332 45,596 Cost of sales (c) 33,370 37,224 41,881 Operating expenses $ 180,874 $ 165,499 $ 185,827 (a) Compensation and employee benefits included salaries, bonuses, commissions, post-employment benefits and charges arising from share-based compensation. (b) Other operating expenses included general and administrative expenses, marketing expenses, in-orbit insurance expenses, professional fees and facility costs. The balance for the year ended December 31, 2020 included $1.9 million of leases not capitalized due to exemptions and variable lease payments not included in the measurement of the leases liabilities (December 31, 2019 - $1.7 million). (c) 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) Gains,

Other Operating (Losses) Gains, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Other Operating (Losses) Gains, Net [Abstract]
OTHER OPERATING (LOSSES) GAINS, NET	7. OTHER OPERATING (LOSSES) GAINS, NET Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Loss on disposal of assets $ (215 ) $ (862 ) $ (353 ) Other — — 1,096 Other operating (losses) gains, net $ (215 ) $ (862 ) $ 743

Interest Expense

Interest Expense	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Interest Expense [Abstract]
INTEREST EXPENSE	8. INTEREST EXPENSE Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Interest on indebtedness $ 164,253 $ 239,805 $ 231,015 Interest on derivative instruments 11,625 (13,191 ) (7,105 ) Interest on satellite performance incentive payments 2,930 3,536 4,134 Interest on significant financing component 22,434 25,484 27,374 Interest on employee benefit plans (Note 29) 1,169 1,339 1,488 Interest on leases 1,349 1,288 — Capitalized interest (Note 15) — — (19,120 ) Interest expense $ 203,760 $ 258,261 $ 237,786

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Income Taxes [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	9. INCOME TAXES Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Current tax expense $ 77,138 $ 71,202 $ 98,841 Deferred tax recovery (81,491 ) (56,080 ) (37,785 ) Tax (recovery) expense $ (4,353 ) $ 15,122 $ 61,056 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, 2020 2019 2018 Income (loss) before tax $ 241,225 $ 202,320 $ (29,880 ) Multiplied by the statutory income tax rates 26.46 % 26.56 % 26.59 % 63,828 53,736 (7,945 ) Income tax recorded at rates different from the Canadian tax rate (22,875 ) (13,017 ) (10,823 ) Permanent differences 1,548 (6,760 ) 50,458 Effect on deferred tax balances due to changes in income tax rates (885 ) (2,829 ) (427 ) Effect of temporary differences not recognized as deferred tax assets (43,941 ) (16,681 ) 35,416 Previously unrecognized tax losses and credits — — (6,110 ) Change in estimates related to prior period (1) (1,467 ) (311 ) — Other (1) (561 ) 984 487 Tax (recovery) expense $ (4,353 ) $ 15,122 $ 61,056 Effective income tax rate (1.80 )% 7.47 % (204.34 )% (1) Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. 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, 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets Foreign tax credits $ 6,558 $ 5,710 Corporate interest restriction — 11,393 Financing charges 12,004 17,152 Deferred revenue 11,127 13,071 Loss carry forwards 29,715 29,351 Employee benefits 12,438 8,282 Reserves 1,222 — Other 2,531 2,209 Total deferred tax assets $ 75,595 $ 87,168 As at December 31, 2020 2019 Deferred tax liabilities Capital assets $ (149,214 ) $ (178,317 ) Intangible assets (158,957 ) (237,269 ) Unrealized foreign exchange gains (13,405 ) (7,932 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (321,576 ) $ (423,518 ) Deferred tax liabilities, net $ (245,981 ) $ (336,350 ) Deferred income tax assets of $79.9 million (December 31, 2019 ‒ $12.4 million) on the balance sheet relates to Canada and Brazil tax jurisdictions (December 31, 2019 ‒ United Kingdom and Canada tax jurisdictions). Temporary differences, tax losses and tax credits Foreign tax credit The Company has Canadian foreign tax credits of $9.5 million which may only be used to offset taxes payable, of which $6.5 million has been recognized. The credits are due to expire between 2023 and 2030. The Company has United Kingdom foreign tax credits of $4.6 million which have no expiry. No deferred tax asset has been recognized in respect of these foreign tax credits. Loss carry forwards and deductible temporary differences. The Company has tax losses in Canada of $22.4 million which expire in 2040 for which a deferred tax asset of $5.9 million has been recognized. The Company has tax losses in the United Kingdom of $122.5 million that can be carried forward indefinitely, subject to restrictions on their utilization. The use of the losses is limited to 50% of taxable income generated in a carry forward year. Notwithstanding, the Company will be entitled to a GBP 5 million annual allowance of unrestricted taxable income not subject to the 50% limitation. A deferred tax asset of $23.3 million has been recognized in respect of the losses. The Company also has $130.8 million of unused interest deductions in the United Kingdom that can be carried forward indefinitely. No deferred tax asset has been recognized in respect of these unused interest deductions. The Company has tax losses of $2.0 million in the United States, that can be carried forward indefinitely subject to restrictions on their utilization. The use of the losses is limited to 80% of taxable income generated in a carry forward year. No deferred tax asset has been recognized in respect of the losses. The Company has tax losses of $1.5 million in Brazil that can be carried forward indefinitely, subject to restrictions on their utilization. The use of the losses is limited to 30% of taxable income generated in a carry forward year. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has cumulative pre-tax income for the last three years and expectation of future income in Brazil, demonstrating sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax losses can be utilized. A deferred tax asset of $0.5 million has been recognized in respect of the losses. Investments in subsidiaries As at December 31, 2020, the Company had temporary differences of $11.2 million associated with investments in subsidiaries for which no deferred tax liabilities have been recognized, as the Company is able to control the timing of the reversal of these temporary differences and it is not probable that these differences will reverse in the foreseeable future.

Trade and Other Receivables

Trade and Other Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Trade and Other Receivables [Abstract]
TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	10. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES As at December 31, 2020 2019 Trade receivables $ 47,368 $ 53,893 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (7,257 ) (1,779 ) Net trade receivables 40,111 52,114 Other receivables 11,817 11,948 Trade and other receivables $ 51,928 $ 64,062 Allowance for doubtful accounts The movement in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows: Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of year $ 1,779 $ 5,136 Provisions for impaired receivables 6,069 604 Receivables written off (146 ) (4,899 ) Impact of foreign exchange (445 ) 938 Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of year $ 7,257 $ 1,779

Other Current Financial Assets

Other Current Financial Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Other Current Financial Assets [Abstract]
OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL ASSETS	11. OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL ASSETS As at December 31, 2020 2019 Security deposits $ 448 $ 210 Other current financial assets $ 448 $ 210

Prepaid Expenses and Other Curr

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Abstract]
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS	12. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS As at December 31, 2020 2019 Prepaid expenses $ 5,942 $ 12,896 Income tax recoverable 3,116 26,730 Inventory (a) 5,224 3,556 Deferred charges (b) 278 307 Other 8,301 235 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 22,861 $ 43,724 (a) As at December 31, 2020, inventory consisted of $1.2 million of finished goods (December 31, 2019 — $1.4 million) and $4.1 million of work in process (December 31, 2019 — $2.2 million). During the year, $10.4 million was recognized as cost of equipment sales and recorded as an operating expense (December 31, 2019 — $7.0 million, December 31, 2018 — $17.7 million). (b) Deferred charges included deferred financing charges relating to the Revolving Credit Facility.

Other Long-Term Financial Asset

Other Long-Term Financial Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Other Long-Term Financial Assets [Abstract]
OTHER LONG-TERM FINANCIAL ASSETS	13. OTHER LONG-TERM FINANCIAL ASSETS As at December 31, 2020 2019 Long-term receivables $ 17,298 $ 18,932 Security deposits 5,861 5,977 Derivative assets (Note 27) 30,266 32,821 Other long-term financial assets $ 53,425 $ 57,730

Other Long-Term Assets

Other Long-Term Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Other Long-Term Assets [Abstract]
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS	14. OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS As at December 31, 2020 2019 Prepaid expenses $ 452 $ 640 Deferred charges (Note 12) 775 1,039 Income tax recoverable 8,418 6,283 Other 277 302 Other long-term assets $ 9,922 $ 8,264

Satellites, Property and Other

Satellites, Property and Other Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Satellites, Property and Other Equipment [Abstract]
SATELLITES, PROPERTY AND OTHER EQUIPMENT	15. SATELLITES, PROPERTY AND OTHER EQUIPMENT Satellites Property and other equipment Right-of-use assets (1) Assets under construction Total Cost as at January 1, 2019 $ 3,669,570 $ 255,055 $ — $ 11,137 $ 3,935,762 Cumulative effect adjustment (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 Additions (2) — 1,635 6,813 87,444 95,892 Disposals/retirements (93,755 ) (3,285 ) — — (97,040 ) Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction — 4,463 — (4,463 ) — Impact of foreign exchange (16,028 ) (1,259 ) (438 ) (4,402 ) (22,127 ) Cost as at December 31, 2020 $ 3,443,332 $ 255,792 $ 35,516 $ 89,754 $ 3,824,394 Accumulated depreciation and impairment as at January 1, 2019 $ (2,072,796 ) $ (159,927 ) $ — $ — $ (2,232,723 ) Cumulative effect adjustment (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 ) Depreciation (200,041 ) (13,644 ) (3,200 ) — (216,885 ) Disposals/retirements 93,755 3,007 — — 96,762 Impact of foreign exchange 2,178 705 108 — 2,991 Accumulated depreciation and impairment as at December 31, 2020 $ (2,322,929 ) $ (177,480 ) $ (5,459 ) $ — $ (2,505,868 ) Net carrying values As at December 31, 2019 $ 1,334,294 $ 86,690 $ 26,774 $ 11,175 $ 1,458,933 As at December 31, 2020 $ 1,120,403 $ 78,312 $ 30,057 $ 89,754 $ 1,318,526 (1) Right-of-use assets consisted primarily of property leases. (2) Additions for assets under construction are net of a reduction related to the government grant of $8.0 million. (3) Relates to the recognition of the right-of-use assets in connection with the implementation of IFRS 16, Leases Certain leases which were signed were not capitalized as at December 31, 2020. Based upon the assessed lease term, the expected undiscounted cash flows totaled $10.3 million (December 31, 2019 – $10.8 million). 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 31, 2020 (Note 23). Borrowing costs For the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 there were no borrowing costs capitalized. For the year ended December 31, 2018, borrowing costs of $19.1 million were capitalized with 7% as the average capitalization rate. Borrowing costs of $0.4 million were capitalized to intangible assets with the remaining balance capitalized to satellites, property and other equipment. Impairment No impairment was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. 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 satellite, which are accounted for as a joint operation, whereby TIOM owns the Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Intangible Assets [Abstract]
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	16. INTANGIBLE ASSETS The intangible assets are split between assets with finite and indefinite lives. The indefinite life intangible assets are summarized below. Orbital slots Trade name Intellectual property Total indefinite life intangible assets Cost as at January 1, 2019 $ 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 and January 1, 2020 608,021 17,000 65,822 690,843 Additions — — 5 5 Disposals/retirements — — (229 ) (229 ) Impact of foreign exchange (808 ) — (757 ) (1,565 ) Cost as at December 31, 2020 $ 607,213 $ 17,000 $ 64,841 $ 689,054 Accumulated impairment as at January 1, 2019 $ (1,100 ) $ — $ — $ (1,100 ) Impairment — — — — Accumulated impairment as at December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020 (1,100 ) — — (1,100 ) Impairment — — — — Accumulated impairment as at December 31, 2020 $ (1,100 ) $ — $ — $ (1,100 ) Net carrying values As at December 31, 2019 $ 606,921 $ 17,000 $ 65,822 $ 689,743 As at December 31, 2020 $ 606,113 $ 17,000 $ 64,841 $ 687,954 (1) Additions for intellectual property for 2019 are net of a reduction related to the government grant of $3.3 million. The finite life intangible assets are summarized below. Revenue backlog Customer relationships Customer contracts Transponder rights Concession rights Other Total finite life intangible assets Cost as at 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, 2019 and January 1, 2020 223,664 198,476 12,858 16,718 30,148 59 481,923 Additions — — — — 24 — 24 Disposals/retirements — (3,943 ) (240 ) — — — (4,183 ) Impact of foreign exchange — 12 — — (7,258 ) — (7,246 ) Cost as at December 31, 2020 $ 223,664 $ 194,545 $ 12,618 $ 16,718 $ 22,914 $ 59 $ 470,518 Accumulated amortization and impairment as at 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 and January 1, 2020 (202,783 ) (137,917 ) (6,951 ) (12,944 ) (8,240 ) (40 ) (368,875 ) Amortization (6,198 ) (6,847 ) (834 ) (1,078 ) (2,235 ) (3 ) (17,195 ) Disposals/retirements — 3,943 240 — — — 4,183 Impact of foreign exchange — (70 ) — — 2,675 — 2,605 Accumulated amortization and impairment as at December 31, 2020 $ (208,981 ) $ (140,891 ) $ (7,545 ) $ (14,022 ) $ (7,800 ) $ (43 ) $ (379,282 ) Net carrying values As at December 31, 2019 $ 20,881 $ 60,559 $ 5,907 $ 3,774 $ 21,908 $ 19 $ 113,048 As at December 31, 2020 $ 14,683 $ 53,654 $ 5,073 $ 2,696 $ 15,114 $ 16 $ 91,236 The total combined indefinite and finite life intangible assets are summarized below. As at December 31, 2020 As at December 31, 2019 Cost Accumulated amortization and impairment Net carrying value Cost Accumulated amortization and impairment Net carrying value Indefinite life intangibles $ 689,054 $ (1,100 ) $ 687,954 $ 690,843 $ (1,100 ) $ 689,743 Finite life intangibles 470,518 (379,282 ) 91,236 481,923 (368,875 ) 113,048 Total intangibles $ 1,159,572 $ (380,382 ) $ 779,190 $ 1,172,766 $ (369,975 ) $ 802,791 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 Telesat Lightspeed 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 4 Customer relationships 6 to 8 Customer contracts 6 Transponder rights 2 Concession rights 2 to 11 Patent 5 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 4.875% Senior Secured Notes (Note 23). Impairment Finite life intangible assets are assessed for impairment at the Company’s CGU level. With the exception of trade name, which is tested for impairment at the asset level, the indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment at the individual CGU level. The annual impairment tests for these assets were performed in the fourth quarters of 2020, 2019 and 2018 in accordance with the policy described in Note 3. No impairment loss was recognized in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. In 2020, the recoverable amount, for indefinite life intangible assets using the income approach, for both the value in use and fair value less cost of disposal, were calculated using discount rates ranging from 8.0% to 15.0%. 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%. 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, 2020
Goodwill [Abstract]
GOODWILL	17. GOODWILL The Company carries goodwill at its cost of $2,446.6 million with no accumulated impairment losses since acquisition. 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 2020, 2019, and 2018 in accordance with the policy described in Note 3. In 2020 and 2019, 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 2020 and 2019 were as follows: ● Market multiples; ● Discount rate; and ● Terminal year growth rate. 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, 2020
Disclosure of Trade and Other Payables [Abstract]
TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES	18. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES As at December 31, 2020 2019 Trade payables $ 5,393 $ 4,561 Other payables and accrued liabilities (a) 24,698 21,686 Trade and other payables $ 30,091 $ 26,247 (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, 2020
Disclosure of Other Current Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL LIABILITIES	19. OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL LIABILITIES As at December 31, 2020 2019 Derivative liabilities (Note 27) $ 12,581 $ 3,206 Security deposits 1,141 1,277 Satellite performance incentive payments 7,996 9,608 Interest payable (a) 12,046 20,563 Other 2,116 3,627 Other current financial liabilities $ 35,880 $ 38,281 (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, 2020
Disclosure of Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES	20. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES As at December 31, 2020 2019 Deferred revenue (Note 22) $ 81,759 $ 65,704 Decommissioning liabilities (Note 22) 790 826 Uncertain tax positions 1,315 1,315 Income taxes payable 7,326 118 Lease liabilities 2,131 1,866 Other 2,834 2,486 Other current liabilities $ 96,155 $ 72,315

Other Long-Term Financial Liabi

Other Long-Term Financial Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Other Long-Term Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
OTHER LONG-TERM FINANCIAL LIABILITIES	21. OTHER LONG-TERM FINANCIAL LIABILITIES As at December 31, 2020 2019 Derivative liabilities (Note 27) $ 5,448 $ 4,710 Security deposits 473 458 Satellite performance incentive payments 29,578 37,343 Other long-term financial liabilities $ 35,499 $ 42,511

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	22. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES As at December 31, 2020 2019 Deferred revenue (b) $ 332,363 $ 374,642 Accrued benefit liabilities (Note 29) 47,984 32,074 Uncertain tax positions 175 175 Decommissioning liabilities (a) 3,145 2,104 Lease liabilities (c) 26,920 26,716 Other long-term liabilities $ 410,587 $ 435,711 (a) The current and long-term decommissioning liabilities on property and equipment were $3.9 million (December 31, 2019 — $2.9 million). The decommissioning liabilities are for the restoration of leased buildings and teleports. During the year ended December 31, 2020, $0.1 million was recorded as interest expense (December 31, 2019 - $0.1 million) with no decommissioning liabilities derecognized (December 31, 2019 - $0.2 million). It is expected that the decommissioning liabilities will mature between 2021 and 2062. (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 contracts, and any deferred revenue that will be recognized in the future in respect to cash already received. The Company does not include revenue beyond the stated expiration of the contract regardless of potential for renewal. The Company expects the backlog as at December 31, 2020 to be recognized as follows (in millions of Canadian dollars): 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total $ 642 $ 518 $ 435 $ 305 $ 217 $ 569 $ 2,686 (c) The expected undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities as at December 31, 2020 were as follows: 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total $ 3,388 $ 3,032 $ 2,981 $ 2,795 $ 2,518 $ 27,840 $ 42,554 The undiscounted contractual cash flows included $13.3 million of interest payments

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Indebtedness [Abstract]
INDEBTEDNESS	23. INDEBTEDNESS As at December 31, 2020 2019 Senior Secured Credit Facilities (a) Revolving Credit Facility $ — $ — Term Loan B – U.S. Facility (December 31, 2020 – US$1,552,815, 1,975,957 2,479,142 Senior Notes (US$550,000) (b) 699,875 714,450 Senior Secured Notes (US$400,000) (c) 509,000 519,600 3,184,832 3,713,192 Less: deferred financing costs and prepayment options (d) 2,320 (393 ) 3,187,152 3,712,799 Less: current indebtedness — (24,408 ) Long-term indebtedness $ 3,187,152 $ 3,688,391 On October 11, 2019, Telesat Canada issued, through a private placement, US$550 million of Senior Notes at an interest rate of 6.5%, which mature in October 2027. Debt issue costs of $7.4 million were incurred in connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to Telesat Canada’s existing and future secured indebtedness, including obligations under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities and Senior Secured Notes. The Senior Notes are governed by the 6.5% Senior Notes Indenture. With the 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 US$500 million 8.875% Senior Notes. On December 6, 2019, Telesat Canada entered into a new amended and restated Credit Agreement with a syndicate of banks which provides for the extension of credit under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities of US$1,908.5 million and revolving credit borrowings up to US$200.0 million (or Canadian dollar equivalent). The term loan facility matures in December 2026 while the revolving credit facility matures in December 2024. Debt issue costs of $16.0 million were incurred in connection with this amendment, inclusive of $1.3 million relating to the revolving credit facility. All obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and certain of Telesat Canada’s existing subsidiaries (“Guarantors”). The obligations under the Credit Agreement and the guarantees of those obligations are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by first priority liens and security interest in the assets of Telesat Canada and the Guarantors. If the Revolving Credit Facility is drawn by more than 35% of the Credit Facility amount, the Credit Agreement requires Telesat Canada to comply with a first lien net leverage ratio of 5.75:1.00, tested quarterly, and failure to comply will result in an event of default. The Credit Agreement contains total leverage ratio covenants that restrict, with certain exceptions, the ability of Telesat Canada and the Guarantors to take specified actions, including, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions: creating liens, incurring indebtedness, making investments, engaging in mergers, selling property, paying dividends, entering into sale-leaseback transactions, creating subsidiaries, repaying subordinated debt or amending organizational documents. As at December 31, 2020, the leverage ratio was 4.44:1.00, which is less than the maximum test ratio of 4.50:1.00 (December 31, 2019 – 4.63:1.00, which was more than the maximum test ratio of 4.50:1.00). On December 6, 2019, Telesat Canada issued, through private placement, US$400 million of Senior Secured Notes, at an interest rate of 4.875%, which mature in June 2027. Debt issue costs of $6.6 million were incurred in connection with the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes. The Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed by the Company and certain Guarantors. The Senior Secured Notes are governed by the 4.875% Senior Secured Notes Indenture. The obligations under the Senior Secured Notes Indenture are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by first priority liens and security interest in the assets of Telesat Canada and the Guarantors. 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 former senior secured credit facilities was fully repaid on December 6, 2019 from the new amended and restated Credit Agreement in the amount of US$1,908.5 million and the US$400 million 4.875% Senior Secured Notes. In December 2020, the Company made a US$341.4 million prepayment on the Term Loan B – U.S. Facility. The prepayment was applied to all mandatory future quarterly principal repayments, with the remaining balance of the prepayment being applied towards the principal amount outstanding on maturity. The prepayment resulted in the recognition of a loss of $2.3 million, which was recorded against interest and other income and indebtedness. The loss recorded against the indebtedness is subsequently amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. (a) The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, which were entered into on December 6, 2019, 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 31, 2020 and 2019, Telesat was in compliance with this covenant. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, have two tranches which are described below: (i) A Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Facility”) of up to $200.0 million U.S. dollars (or Canadian dollar equivalent) is available to Telesat maturing in December 2024. This Revolving Facility is available to be drawn at any time in U.S. funds or Canadian dollar equivalent funds. Loans under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a floating interest rate. 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, 2020, other than $0.2 million (December 31, 2019 - $0.1 million) in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility. (ii) The U.S. TLB Facility is a US$1,908.5 million facility maturing in December 2026. The borrowings under the U.S. TLB Facility bear interest at a floating rate of either: (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. As a result of the prepayment made in December 2020, mandatory quarterly principal repayments will no longer be required. The weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 3.63% (25-day period ended December 31, 2019 – 4.73%). (b) 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 Senior Notes are due in October 2027 and were entered into on October 11, 2019. The total balance of the Senior Notes is US$550.0 million. The Senior Notes include covenants or terms that restrict 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 weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 6.27% (81-day period ended December 31, 2019 - 6.27%). (c) The Senior Secured Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 4.875% with interest payable on June 1 and December 1, annually, commencing in June 2020. The Senior Secured Notes are due in June 2027 and were entered into on December 6, 2019. The total balance of the Senior Secured Notes is US$400.0 million. The Senior Secured Notes are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by the assets of Telesat Canada and the Guarantors. The Senior Secured Notes include covenants or terms that restrict 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 weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 4.76% (25-day period ended December 31, 2019 - 4.76%). (d) 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 $24.9 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $28.3 million). The deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest method. (ii) The U.S. TLB Facility was presented on the balance sheet net of the loss on repayment of $2.3 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $Nil). (iii) The indenture agreement for the Senior Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 27) 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 $15.7 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $17.4 million). (iv) The indenture agreement for the Senior Secured Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 27) 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 and had a carrying amount of $9.3 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $10.5 million). The short-term and long-term portions of deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment were as follows: As at December 31, 2020 2019 Short-term deferred financing costs $ — $ 3,385 Long-term deferred financing costs 24,888 24,934 $ 24,888 $ 28,319 Short-term prepayment options $ — $ (3,001 ) Long-term prepayment options (24,925 ) (24,925 ) $ (24,925 ) $ (27,926 ) Short-term loss on repayment $ — $ — Long-term loss on repayment (2,283 ) — $ (2,283 ) $ — Deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment $ (2,320 ) $ 393

Share Capital

Share Capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Share Capital [Abstract]
SHARE CAPITAL	24. SHARE CAPITAL The number of shares and stated value of the outstanding shares were as follows: 2020 2019 As at December 31, Number of shares Stated value Number of shares Stated value 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 38,508,117 80,862 38,477,137 80,059 Director Voting Preferred Shares 1,000 10 1,000 10 Share capital $ 155,698 $ 154,895 In November 2020, December 2019 and February 2019 dividends were declared and paid on the Director Voting Preferred Shares. In June 2018, 95,363 stock appreciation rights (“SARS”) were exercised for 39,488 Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares, on a net settlement basis. In January 2019, 40,269 SARS were exercised for 14,846 Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares, on a net settlement basis. In December 2019, 66,667 restricted share units (“RSUs”) were settled in exchange for 30,980 Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares, on a net settlement basis. In December 2020, 66,667 RSUs were settled in exchange for 30,980 Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares, on a net settlement basis. 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 Participating Preferred Shares, Redeemable Common Shares, and Redeemable Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares, (ii) 1,000 Director Voting Preferred Shares, and (iii) 325,000 Senior Preferred Shares. None of the Redeemable Common Shares, Redeemable Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares or Senior Preferred Shares have been issued as at December 31, 2020 or 2019. The Company’s share-based compensation plans have authorized the grant of up to 17,495,233 options to purchase Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares combined with authorizing 200,000 restricted share units expected to be settled in Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares (Note 28). 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 or dissolution, subject to the rights, privileges and conditions attaching to any other class of shares ranking in order of priority. The Common Shares are convertible at the holders’ option, at any time, into Voting Participating Preferred Shares or Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares, on a one-for-one basis. The Common Shares have no par value. 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: ● The holders of Voting Participating Preferred Shares are not entitled to vote at meetings of the shareholders of the Company on resolutions electing directors. ● For all other meetings of the shareholders of the Company, the holders of Voting Participating Preferred Shares are entitled to a variable number of votes per Voting Participating Preferred Share based on the number of Voting Participating Preferred Shares, Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares and Redeemable Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares outstanding on the record date of the given meeting of the shareholders of the Company. ● The Voting Participating Preferred Shares are convertible, at any time, at the holders’ option into Common Shares or Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares on a one-for-one basis as long as the result of such conversion does not cause the Company to cease to be a “qualified corporation” within the meaning of the Canadian Telecommunication Common Carrier Ownership and Control Regulations pursuant to the Telecommunications Act (Canada). The Voting Participating Preferred Shares have no par value. Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares The rights, privileges and conditions of the Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares are identical in all respects to those of the Common Shares, except for the following: ● The holders of Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares are not entitled to vote on any matter at meetings of the shareholders of the Company, except in respect of a class vote applicable only to the Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares. ● The Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares are convertible, at any time, at the holders’ option into Common Shares or Voting Participating Preferred Shares on a one-for-one basis as long as the result of such conversion does not cause the Company to cease to be a “qualified corporation” within the meaning of the Canadian Telecommunication Common Carrier Ownership and Control Regulations pursuant to the Telecommunications Act (Canada). The Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares have no par value. 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: ● The holders of Director Voting Preferred Shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend all meetings of the shareholders of the Company at which directors of the Company are to be elected. The holders of the Director Voting Preferred Shares are not entitled to attend meetings of the shareholders of the Company and have no right to vote on any matter other than the election of directors of the Company. ● The holders of Director Voting Preferred Shares are entitled to receive annual non-cumulative dividends of $10 per share if declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, in priority to the payment of dividends on the Common Shares, Voting Participating Preferred Shares, Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares, Redeemable Common Shares, and Redeemable Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares, but after payment of any accrued dividends on the Senior Preferred Shares. ● The Director Voting Preferred Shares are redeemable at the option of the Company, at any time, at a redemption price of $10 per share. The Director Voting Preferred Shares have a nominal stated value.

Government Grant

Government Grant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Government Grant [Abstract]
GOVERNMENT GRANT	25. GOVERNMENT GRANT In May 2019, 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 Telesat Lightspeed Constellation. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $12.0 million relating to the agreement (December 31, 2019 - $5.0 million).

Capital Disclosures

Capital Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Capital Disclosures [Abstract]
CAPITAL DISCLOSURES	26. 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 (Note 23), and to maximize returns to its shareholders and other stakeholders. The Company meets these objectives through regular monitoring of the financial covenant and operating results on a quarterly basis. The Company’s overall financial strategy remains unchanged from 2019. 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 and loss on repayment as defined in Note 23). The Company’s capital at the end of the year was as follows: As at December 31, 2020 2019 Shareholders’ equity (excluding reserves) $ 1,422,212 $ 1,185,950 Debt financing (excluding deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment (December 31, 2019 - deferred financing costs and prepayment options)) $ 3,184,832 $ 3,713,192 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 31, 2020, the first lien net leverage ratio was 3.43:1.00 (December 31, 2019 – 3.72:1.00), which was less than the maximum test ratio of 5.75:1.00. If the Revolving Facility is drawn, the former senior secured credit facilities required Telesat Canada to comply with a first lien net leverage ratio test. 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 27).

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	27. 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 31, 2020. 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 31, 2020, the maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the financial assets which totaled $924.2 million (December 31, 2019 — $1,149.2 million). 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, mainly U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar denominated investments. 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 31, 2020, North American and International customers made up 50% and 50% of the outstanding trade receivable balance, respectively (December 31, 2019 — 50% and 50%, respectively). Anticipated bad debt losses have been provided for in the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts as at December 31, 2020 was $7.3 million (December 31, 2019 — $1.8 million). 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 31, 2020 and 2019, the entire indebtedness was denominated in U.S. dollars, with the Canadian dollar equivalent of the U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness equaling $3,184.8 million and $3,713.2 million, respectively, before netting of deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment (December 31, 2019 - before netting of deferred financing costs and prepayment option). As at December 31, 2020, the impact of a 5 percent increase (decrease) in the value of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar on financial assets and liabilities would have decreased (increased) net income by $158.5 million (December 31, 2019 — $172.9 million) and increased (decreased) other comprehensive income by $35.6 million (December 31, 2019 — $30.9 million). This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant. 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 million of the U.S. denominated Term Loan B at fixed interest rates, excluding applicable margins, ranging from 1.72% to 2.04%. As at December 31, 2020, two interest rate swaps of US$450 million each, with expiration terms of September 2021 and September 2022, were outstanding to hedge the interest rate risk associated with the variable interest rate on the U.S. denominated Term Loan B at fixed interest rates, excluding applicable margins, of 1.95% and 2.04%. If the interest rates on the variable rate indebtedness change by 0.25%, the result would be an increase or decrease to net income of $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 — $2.0 million). 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 31, 2020 were as follows: Carrying Contractual cash flows 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Trade and other payables $ 30,091 $ 30,091 $ 30,091 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Customer and other deposits 1,614 1,614 1,270 17 83 17 83 144 Satellite performance incentive payments 37,948 47,296 9,316 8,360 7,518 5,918 3,133 13,051 Other financial liabilities 2,116 2,116 2,116 — — — — — Interest rate swaps 18,029 18,330 12,709 5,621 — — — — Indebtedness (1) 3,196,504 4,013,282 129,552 129,359 129,358 129,453 128,404 3,367,156 $ 3,286,302 $ 4,112,729 $ 185,054 $ 143,357 $ 136,959 $ 135,388 $ 131,620 $ 3,380,351 (1) Indebtedness excludes deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment. The interest payable and interest payments included in the carrying value and contractual cash flows, respectively, in the above table, were as follows: Interest payable Interest payments Satellite performance incentive payments $ 374 $ 9,558 Indebtedness $ 11,672 $ 828,450 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, 2020 FVTPL Amortized cost Total Fair value Fair value hierarchy Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 818,378 $ 818,378 $ 818,378 Level 1 Trade and other receivables — 51,928 51,928 51,928 (3) Other current financial assets — 448 448 448 Level 1 Other long-term financial assets (1) 30,266 23,159 53,425 53,425 Level 1, Trade and other payables — (30,091 ) (30,091 ) (30,091 ) (3) Other current financial liabilities (12,581 ) (23,299 ) (35,880 ) (37,921 ) Level 2 Other long-term financial liabilities (5,448 ) (30,051 ) (35,499 ) (36,357 ) Level 2 Indebtedness (2) — (3,184,832 ) (3,184,832 ) (3,214,543 ) Level 2 $ 12,237 $ (2,374,360 ) $ (2,362,123 ) $ (2,394,733 ) As at December 31, 2019 FVTPL Amortized cost Total Fair value Fair value hierarchy 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 ) (1) Other 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, prepayment options and loss on repayment (December 31, 2019 – deferred financing costs and prepayment option). (3) Trade and other receivables and trade and other payables approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. 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 inputs. 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 maturity of these instruments. As at December 31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents included $130.4 million (December 31, 2019 — $484.7 million) of short-term investments. The fair value of the satellite performance incentive payments, included in other current and long-term financial liabilities, was determined using a discounted cash flow methodology. The calculation is performed on a recurring basis. As at December 31, 2020 and 2019, the discount rate used was 4.4% and 5.2%, respectively. The fair value of the indebtedness was based on transactions and quotations from third parties considering market interest rates and excluding deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment (December 31, 2019 – deferred financing costs and prepayment options). The calculation of the fair value of the indebtedness is performed on a recurring basis. The rates used were as follows: As at December 31, 2020 2019 Term Loan B – U.S. Facility – Senior Secured Credit Facilities 98.88 % 100.25 % Senior Notes 104.76 % 104.25 % Senior Secured Notes 103.64 % 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. The discount rates used to discount cash flows as at December 31, 2020 ranged from 0.08% to 0.54% (December 31, 2019 — 1.45% to 1.91%). 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 portions of the fair value of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities, as at each balance sheet date, were as follows: As at December 31, 2020 Other Other Other Total Interest rate swaps $ — $ (12,581 ) $ (5,448 ) $ (18,029 ) Prepayment options 30,266 — — 30,266 $ 30,266 $ (12,581 ) $ (5,448 ) $ 12,237 As at December 31, 2019 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 The reconciliation of the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities was as follows: Fair value, December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019 $ 46,795 Derivatives recognized at inception Prepayment option – Senior Notes 17,829 Prepayment option – Senior Secured Notes 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 Unrealized losses on derivatives Prepayment options (2,308 ) Interest rate swaps (10,807 ) Impact of foreign exchange 447 Fair value, December 31, 2020 $ 12,237

Share-Based Compensation Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Share-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	28. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Telesat Canada Stock Incentive Plans In September 2008 and April 2013, Telesat adopted share-based compensation plans (the “stock incentive plans”) for certain key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The stock incentive plans provide for the grant of up to 17,505,045 options, to purchase Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares of Telesat Canada, convertible into Common Shares as detailed in the table below. Year authorized Quantity 2008 8,824,646 2013 4,036,729 2015 62,404 2017 350,000 2018 3,280,000 2019 500,000 2020 451,266 Of the stock options authorized and issued in 2018, 780,000 vest over three-year period with the vesting period commencing on January 1, 2018 and 2,500,000 vest over a five-year period with the vesting period commencing on November 1, 2017. In addition, in 2018, Telesat authorized the issuance of 200,000 restricted share units expected to be settled in Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares. The restricted share units vest over a three-year period with a vesting period commencing on January 1, 2018. Under the stock incentive plans, two different types of stock options can be granted: time-vesting options and performance-vesting options. The time-vesting options generally become vested and exercisable over a five-year period by 20% annual increments. The performance-vesting options become vested and exercisable over a five-year period, provided that the Company has achieved or exceeded an annual or cumulative target consolidated EBITDA established by the Board of Directors. The exercise period of the stock options expires 10 years from the grant date. The exercise price of each share underlying the options will be the higher of a fixed price, established by the Board of Directors on the grant date, and the fair market value of a Non-Voting Participating Preferred Share on the grant date. Both plans authorize the Board of Directors to grant tandem SARs, at their discretion. The Company expenses the fair value of stock options that are expected to vest over the vesting period using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The share-based compensation expense is included in operating expenses. The change in number of stock options outstanding and their weighted average exercise price were as follows: Time vesting option plans Performance vesting option plans Number of Weighted average Number of Weighted average 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 24) (18,120 ) (22,149 ) Expired — — Outstanding at December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020 7,544,617 $ 25.63 409,953 $ 11.07 Granted 650,000 — Forfeited (246,049 ) (3,691 ) Exercised — — Expired — — Outstanding at December 31, 2020 7,948,568 $ 25.83 406,262 $ 11.07 The movement in the number of restricted share units outstanding was as follows: Outstanding, January 1, 2019 200,000 Settled (66,667 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020 133,333 Settled (66,667 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2020 66,666 The quantity of stock options that are exercisable and the weighted average remaining life were as follows: As at December 31, 2020 2019 Time vesting option plans 5,779,565 4,762,335 Performance vesting option plans 406,266 409,953 Weighted average remaining life 6 years 7 years The share-based compensation expense included in the consolidated statements of income (loss) was as follows: Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Operating expenses $ 12,500 $ 16,035 $ 29,505 The weighted average assumptions used to determine the share-based compensation expense for stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model were as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Dividend yield — % — % — % Expected volatility 32.7 % 32.4 % 31.7 % Risk-free interest rate 2.79 % 2.93 % 2.94 % Expected life (years) 10 10 10 The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of comparable publicly listed entities. The weighted average fair value of the stock options granted during 2020 was $12.29 (2019 –$12.84).

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	29. 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 benefit plans Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Consolidated statements of income (loss) Operating expenses $ 7,188 $ 6,198 $ 6,345 $ 145 $ 116 $ 276 Interest expense $ 423 $ 524 $ 658 $ 746 $ 815 $ 830 Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) Actuarial losses (gains) on employee benefit plans $ 11,390 $ (3,325 ) $ (4,555 ) $ 2,303 $ 2,191 $ (3,200 ) 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 $1.9 million for various defined contribution arrangements during 2020 (December 31, 2019 — $1.2 million). 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 investments. 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 basis, with the retiree generally paying a portion of the cost through contributions, deductibles and coinsurance provisions. The balance sheet obligations, distributed between pension and other post-employment benefits, included in other long-term liabilities (Note 22) were as follows: As at December 31, 2020 2019 Pension benefits $ 22,070 $ 8,566 Other post-employment benefits 25,914 23,508 Accrued benefit liabilities $ 47,984 $ 32,074 The amounts recognized in the balance sheets and the funded statuses of the benefit plans were as follows: 2020 2019 As at December 31, Pension Other Pension Other Present value of funded obligations $ 375,222 $ — $ 331,737 $ — Fair value of plan assets (354,385 ) — (324,257 ) — 20,837 — 7,480 — Present value of unfunded obligations 1,233 25,914 1,086 23,508 Accrued benefit liabilities $ 22,070 $ 25,914 $ 8,566 $ 23,508 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, 2020 $ 332,823 $ 23,508 $ 356,331 Current service cost 6,695 145 6,840 Interest expense 10,723 746 11,469 Remeasurements Actuarial losses arising from plan experience 2,212 184 2,396 Actuarial losses from change in demographic assumptions — 11 11 Actuarial losses from changes in financial assumptions 33,278 2,108 35,386 Benefits paid (10,294 ) (726 ) (11,020 ) Contributions by plan participants 1,018 — 1,018 Foreign exchange — (62 ) (62 ) Benefit obligation, December 31, 2020 376,455 25,914 402,369 Change in fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets, January 1, 2020 (324,257 ) — (324,257 ) Contributions by plan participants (1,018 ) — (1,018 ) Contributions by employer (5,497 ) (726 ) (6,223 ) Interest income (10,300 ) — (10,300 ) Benefits paid 10,294 726 11,020 Remeasurements Return on plan assets, excluding interest income (24,100 ) — (24,100 ) Administrative costs 493 — 493 Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2020 (354,385 ) — (354,385 ) Accrued benefit liabilities, December 31, 2020 $ 22,070 $ 25,914 $ 47,984 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 The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation as at December 31, 2020 is 16 years for the defined benefit pension plans and 15 years for the other post-employment benefit plans. The weighted average duration of the current service cost as at December 31, 2020 is 23 years for the defined benefit pension plans and 28 years for the other post-employment benefit plans. The estimated future benefit payments for the defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans until 2030 are as follows: Pension Other 2021 $ 11,519 $ 901 2022 $ 12,096 $ 936 2023 $ 12,790 $ 972 2024 $ 13,558 $ 1,008 2025 $ 14,433 $ 1,044 2026 to 2030 $ 80,999 $ 6,620 Benefit payments include obligations to 2030 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, 2020 2019 Equity securities Canada 22.9 % 22.3 % United States 19.7 % 19.8 % International (other than United States) 14.3 % 14.1 % Fixed income instruments Canada 41.0 % 41.2 % Cash and cash equivalents Canada 2.1 % 2.6 % 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: Pension Other Pension Other As at December 31, 2020 2020 2019 2019 Actuarial benefit obligation Discount rate 2.60 % 2.00% to 2.60 % 3.20 % 2.95% to 3.20 % Benefit costs for the year ended Discount rate 3.20 % 2.95% to 3.20 % 3.90 % 3.90% to 4.00 % 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 3.49% to 5.49 % Other medical trend rates N/A 4.00% to 4.56 % N/A 4.00% to 4.56 % For certain Canadian post-retirement plans the above trend rates are applicable for 2020 to 2029 which will decrease linearly to 4.75% in 2029 and grading down to an ultimate rate of 3.57% per annum in 2040 and thereafter. 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 31, 2020 and 2019 would have increased or decreased as a result of the change in the respective assumptions by one percent. Pension Other As at December 31, 2020 1% increase 1% decrease 1% increase 1% decrease Discount rate $ (53,058 ) $ 67,549 $ (3,486 ) $ 4,351 Future salary growth $ 10,423 $ (9,165 ) N/A N/A Medical and dental trend rates N/A N/A $ 2,222 $ (1,839 ) 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 ) 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 $4.1 million to the defined benefit plans and $0.6 million to the defined contribution plan of Telesat Canada during the next fiscal year.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	30. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash and cash equivalents were comprised of the following: As at December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Cash $ 687,967 $ 542,537 $ 342,874 Short-term investments (1) 130,411 484,685 425,559 Cash and cash equivalents $ 818,378 $ 1,027,222 $ 768,433 (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. Income taxes paid, net of income taxes received was comprised of the following: Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Income taxes paid $ (53,842 ) $ (101,952 ) $ (109,193 ) Income taxes received 399 6,497 2,885 $ (53,443 ) $ (95,455 ) $ (106,308 ) Interest paid, net of capitalized interest and interest received was comprised of the following: Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Interest paid $ (188,969 ) $ (195,671 ) $ (207,339 ) Interest received 8,997 19,559 11,802 Capitalized interest — — 19,120 $ (179,972 ) $ (176,112 ) $ (176,417 ) The reconciliation of the liabilities arising from financing activities was as follows: Indebtedness Satellite performance Lease liabilities Balance as at January 1, 2020 $ 3,712,799 $ 46,951 $ 28,582 Cash outflows (453,592 ) (9,031 ) (1,793 ) Loss on repayment (Note 23) 2,284 — — Amortization of deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment 428 — — Non-cash additions — — 2,788 Interest paid — — (1,649 ) Interest accrued — — 1,349 Other — 182 (91 ) Impact of foreign exchange (74,767 ) (528 ) (135 ) Balance as at December 31, 2020 $ 3,187,152 $ 37,574 $ 29,051 Indebtedness Satellite performance incentive payments Lease liabilities 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 23) 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 — — 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 leases 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 23) 2,828 — — Gain on repricing (Note 24) (6,901 ) — — Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 23) (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 The net change in operating assets and liabilities was comprised of the following: As at December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Trade and other receivables $ (4,173 ) $ (16,113 ) $ 22,056 Financial assets 161 (3,897 ) (210 ) Other assets (7,286 ) (13,183 ) 371 Trade and other payables 1,860 1,685 (4,695 ) Financial liabilities (651 ) (2,125 ) (1,026 ) Other liabilities 25,107 19,691 72,317 $ 15,018 $ (13,942 ) $ 88,813 Non-cash investing activities were comprised of: Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Satellites, property and other equipment $ 2,963 $ 29,234 $ 3,795 Intangible assets $ — $ (3,263 ) $ 3,635

Commitments and Contingent Liab

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	31. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES The following were the Company’s off-balance sheet contractual obligations as at December 31, 2020: 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total Property leases $ 1,141 $ 1,079 $ 1,065 $ 1,051 $ 969 $ 12,455 $ 17,760 Capital commitments 32,055 35,057 86,785 — — — 153,897 Other operating commitments 32,681 6,483 5,000 4,244 3,808 11,438 63,654 $ 65,877 $ 42,619 $ 92,850 $ 5,295 $ 4,777 $ 23,893 $ 235,311 Property leases consisted of off-balance sheet contractual obligations for land or building usage, while capital commitments included commitments for capital projects. Other operating commitments consisted of third party satellite capacity arrangements as well as other commitments that are not categorized as property leases or capital commitments. The Company’s off-balance sheet obligations included the future minimum payments for the non-cancellable period of each respective obligation, which have various terms and expire between 2021 to 2039. Certain variable costs associated with the capitalized leases have been included in property leases commitments with a termination date co-terminus with the lease liability. The Company has entered into contracts for the development of the Telesat Lightspeed Constellation and other capital expenditures. The total outstanding commitments as at December 31, 2020 were included in capital commitments. 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 31, 2020, customer prepayments of $414.1 million (December 31, 2019 — $440.3 million), a portion of which is refundable under certain circumstances, were reflected in other current and long-term liabilities. 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 previously received assessments from Brazilian tax authorities alleging that additional taxes are owed on revenue earned for the period 2003 to 2018. In September 2020, the Brazilian tax authority issued an additional assessment for 2015 for an amount, including interest and penalties, of $22 million. The total disputed amount for the period 2003 to 2018, including interest and penalties, is now $77 million. The disputes relate to the Brazilian tax authorities’ characterization of revenue. The Company has challenged the assessments. The Company believes the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in these disputes is remote and, as such, no reserve has been established. The Canadian tax authorities previously assessed the Company for $9 million relating to transfer pricing issues for the years 2009 and 2012. In November 2020, the Canadian tax authority issued additional assessments for 2013 and 2014 for an amount, including interest, of $4 million. All disputes relate to the Canadian tax authorities’ repricing of certain transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company has paid 50% of the outstanding amounts in order to formally object to the assessments. The Company believes the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in these disputes is remote and, as such, no reserve has been established. 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, 2020
Disclosure of Subsidiaries [Abstract]
SUBSIDIARIES	32. SUBSIDIARIES The list of significant companies included in the scope of consolidation as at December 31, 2020 was as follows: Company Country Method of Consolidation % voting rights Infosat Communications LP Canada Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Spectrum General Partnership Canada Fully consolidated 100 Telesat LEO Holdings Inc. Canada Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Technology Corporation Canada Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Spectrum Corporation Canada Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Spectrum Holdings Corporation 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 Telesat LEO Inc. United States Fully consolidated 100 Telesat US Services, LLC 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 Apart from Telesat Technology Corporation, Telesat Spectrum Corporation and Telesat Spectrum Holdings Corporation, which were incorporated in 2020, the percentage of voting rights and method of consolidation were the same as at December 31, 2019.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	33. 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 by PSP Investments, a Canadian Crown corporation. Loral Holdings is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Loral, a United States publicly listed company. Transactions with subsidiaries The Company and its subsidiaries regularly engage in inter-group transactions. These transactions include the purchase and sale of satellite services and communications equipment, providing and receiving network and call centre services, access to orbital slots and management services. The transactions have been entered into over the normal course of operations. Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation and therefore have not been disclosed. Compensation of executives and Board level directors Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Short-term benefits (including salaries) $ 13,058 $ 11,051 $ 16,853 Special payments (1) 710 948 2,904 Post-employment benefits 2,180 2,773 2,510 Share-based payments 12,373 15,649 29,016 $ 28,321 $ 30,421 $ 51,283 (1) Balance relates to the special cash distribution effective January 25, 2017. Key management personnel — stock options In June 2018, 95,363 SARS were exercised by a member of key management personnel for 39,488 Non-Voting Participating Preferred shares, on a net settlement basis. During 2018, 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 RSUs were granted during 2018 which vest over a three-year period and are expected to be settled with Non-Voting Participating Preferred shares. During 2019, Telesat issued 500,000 time-vesting options to certain key management personnel, which vest over a five-year period. In January 2019, 40,269 SARS were exercised by a member of key management personnel for 14,846 Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares, on a net settlement basis. In December 2019, 66,667 RSUs were settled in exchange for 30,980 Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares, on a net settlement basis. In December 2020, 66,667 RSUs were settled in exchange for 30,980 Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares, on a net settlement basis. In December 2020, Telesat issued 650,000 time-vesting options to certain key management personnel, which vest over a five-year period. 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, interest income Purchase of goods and services, interest expense Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Revenue $ 133 $ 133 $ 128 $ — $ — $ — Operating expenses $ — $ — $ — $ 6,712 $ 6,645 $ 6,456 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, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Current receivables/payables $ — $ — $ 105 $ 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 31, 2020 were $5.5 million (December 31, 2019 — $5.7 million).

Accounting Policies, by Policy

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company operates in a single operating segment, in which it provides satellite-based services to its broadcast, enterprise and consulting customers around the world. Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker, who is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. To be reported, a segment is usually based on quantitative thresholds but can also encompass qualitative factors management deems significant.
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 operations, foreign currency non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at their historical exchange rates, foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the year end exchange rates, and foreign denominated revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates of the month in which the transactions occurred. Gains or losses on translation of these items are recognized as a component of net income (loss). 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 investments and restricted cash expected to be used within the next twelve months.
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: ● Consulting revenue for cost plus contracts is recognized as the approved time and labor is completed by Telesat. ● Fixed price consulting revenue contracts use an input method to determine the progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. The input method is measured by comparing actual cost incurred to total cost expected. 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 selling price. Transactions are evaluated to determine whether the Company is the principal and if the transactions should be recorded on a gross or net basis.
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 liabilities. Deferred revenue consists of remuneration received in advance of the provision of service and in the majority of cases is recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the term of the related customer contracts. In the case of certain deferred revenue for short-term services, balances are recognized into income upon the completion or percentage completion of the related contract. Prepayments are evaluated to determine whether or not they constitute a significant financing component. The Company has elected a practical expedient whereby if the timing difference between the customer prepayment and the transfer of control of the promised goods and services is less than a year then it would not be considered as a significant financing component. A significant financing component will only occur in the following circumstances: ● There is a timing difference between when the control of goods or services is transferred to the customer and when the customer pays for the goods; ● The timing difference between the customer prepayment and transfer of control of the promised goods and services is in excess of one year; and ● The primary reason for the prepayment is for financing purposes. 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 asset and lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured based on the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use assets are depreciated to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the asset or the end of the lease term. Each individual lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments over the respective lease term, discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate for that lease. The lease term is the non-cancellable period determined for each of the leases considering the option to extend when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option or the option to terminate if it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option. After the commencement date, the right-of-use assets are measured applying the cost model and depreciated to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the asset or the end of the lease term on a straight-line basis. The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect the interest on the lease, using the effective interest method, and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made. 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 asset, or is recorded in the statement of income if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero. The Company has elected to not recognize a right-of-use asset or lease liability for any lease that has a lease term of 12 months or less. The payments associated with these agreements would be recognized as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has also elected the practical expedient, for property leases, not to separate the non-lease components from the lease components, and instead account for each lease and any associated non-lease components within the contract as a single lease component.
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 method over the respective estimated useful lives of the assets. Below are the estimated useful lives in years of satellites, property and other equipment as at December 31, 2020. Years Satellites 12 to 15 Right-of-use assets 2 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 satellite failure, all unamortized costs that are not recoverable under launch or in-orbit insurance are recorded in other operating (losses) gains, net. 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 method of amortization, except for revenue backlog which is based on the expected period of recognition of the related revenue. Below are the estimated useful lives in years of the finite life intangible assets as at December 31, 2020. Years Revenue backlog 17 Customer relationships 20 to 21 Customer contracts 15 Concession rights 5 to 15 Transponder rights 16 Patents 18
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. With the exception of trade name, which have not been allocated to any CGU and are tested for impairment at the asset level, indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment at the CGU level. In the case of orbital slots, the CGU is based on geography. 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 CGU, 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 assumptions such as: i) the market penetration leading to revenue growth; ii) the profit margin; iii) the duration and profile of the build-up period; iv) the estimated start-up costs and losses incurred during the build-up period; and v) the discount rate. Fair value less costs of disposal is the price that would be received to sell the CGU 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 slots 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 CGU. 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 flows 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 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: ● Amortized cost: The financial assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost in accordance with the effective interest method. The amortized cost is reduced by any impairment losses; and ● FVTPL: These financial assets are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of income (loss) as part of loss on changes in fair value of financial instruments. 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 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 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 instrument contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risk and characteristics are not closely related to those of the host contract and the host contract is measured separately according to its characteristics. The Company accounts for embedded foreign currency derivatives and the related host contract as a single instrument where the contract requires payments denominated in the currency that is commonly used in contracts to procure non-financial items in the economic environment in which the Company transacts. 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 are included in current and long-term indebtedness and are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. All other debt issuance costs are accounted for as short-term and long-term deferred charges and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets. The deferred charges are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the indebtedness to which they relate.
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Telesat maintains one contributory and three non-contributory defined benefit pension plans which provide benefits based on length of service and rate of pay. Two of these defined-benefit plans were closed to new members in 2013. Telesat is responsible for adequately funding the defined benefit pension plans. Contributions are made based on actuarial cost methods that are permitted by pension regulatory bodies and reflect assumptions about future investment returns, salary projections and future service benefits. Telesat also provides other post-employment and retirement benefits, including health care and life insurance benefits on retirement and various disability plans, worker’s compensation and medical benefits to former or inactive employees, their beneficiaries and covered dependents, after employment but before retirement, under certain circumstances. In addition, Telesat provides defined contribution pension plans, under certain circumstances, 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 the December 2020 Revision to the Educational Note on Setting the Accounting Discount Rate Assumption for Pension and Post-employment Benefit Plans. 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 basis over the average remaining vesting period. A valuation is performed at least every three years to determine the present value of the accrued pension and other retirement benefits. 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 2020 was determined based on membership data as at December 31, 2018. The accrued benefit obligation as at December 31, 2020 was determined based on the membership data as at December 31, 2019, and extrapolated one year based on December 31, 2020 assumptions. For certain Canadian post-retirement benefits, the expense for 2020 was based on membership and eligibility data as at September 30, 2018 and the accrued benefit obligations as at December 31, 2020 was based on membership data as at September 30, 2018. The accrued benefit obligation for certain American post-retirement benefits as at December 31, 2020 was determined based on membership data as at January 1, 2019, and extrapolated, based on December 31, 2020 assumptions. The most recent valuation of the pension plans for funding purposes was as of December 31, 2019. Valuations will be performed for the pension plans as of December 31, 2020. Telesat also provides health care and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. These benefits are funded primarily on a pay-as-you-go basis, with the retiree paying a portion of the cost through contributions, deductibles and co-insurance provisions. Commencing in 2015, as a result of an amendment to one of the plans, Telesat has contributed to a health reimbursement account instead of providing the health care and life insurance benefits directly to certain retired employees.
Share-Based Compensation Plans	Share-Based Compensation Plans The Company offers equity-settled share-based compensation plans for certain key employees under which it receives services from employees in exchange for equity instruments of the Company. The expense is based on the fair value of the awards granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are satisfied, with a corresponding increase in equity. For awards with graded vesting, the fair value of each tranche is recognized over the respective vesting period with a significant higher proportionate amount of the total expense being recognized earlier in the vesting period. 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 Participating Preferred shares with a corresponding increase in equity. For awards with graded vesting, the fair value of each tranche is recognized over the respective vesting period with a significant higher proportionate amount of the total expense being recognized earlier in the vesting period.
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 Participating Preferred shares with a corresponding increase in equity. For awards with graded vesting, the fair value of each tranche is recognized over the respective vesting period with a significant higher proportionate amount of the total expense being recognized earlier in the vesting period. RSU’s are expected to be settled in Non-Vesting Participating Preferred shares of Telesat.
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. The new and amended standards determined to be applicable to the Company are disclosed below. The remaining new and amended standards have been excluded as they are not applicable. Interest rate benchmark reform – Phase 2 In August 2020, the IASB issued amendments to various IFRS standards associated with the ongoing interest rate benchmark reform. The amendments enable entities to reflect the effects of transitioning from benchmark interest rates, such as inter-bank offered rates (“IBOR”) to alternative benchmark interest rates. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021 with early application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the Phase 2 of the interest rate benchmark reform on its consolidated financial statements.

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 2 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 20 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, 2020
Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule of revenue derived from services	Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Broadcast $ 411,407 $ 444,478 $ 455,125 Enterprise 389,696 444,732 428,226 Consulting and other 19,365 21,683 19,581 Revenue $ 820,468 $ 910,893 $ 902,932
Schedule of equipment sales within services	Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Broadcast $ 1,300 $ 233 $ 315 Enterprise 13,693 8,323 23,639 Total equipment sales $ 14,993 $ 8,556 $ 23,954
Schedule of geographic regions	Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Canada $ 362,939 $ 395,235 $ 417,692 United States 307,433 329,634 318,779 Europe, Middle East & Africa 44,710 50,911 61,317 Latin America & Caribbean 64,024 73,120 75,011 Asia & Australia 41,362 61,993 30,133 Revenue $ 820,468 $ 910,893 $ 902,932 As at December 31, 2020 2019 Canada $ 624,303 $ 682,518 Europe, Middle East & Africa 619,959 685,562 United States 71,659 88,360 All others 2,605 2,493 Satellites, property and other equipment $ 1,318,526 $ 1,458,933 As at December 31, 2020 2019 Canada $ 718,880 $ 733,880 United States 38,448 39,395 Latin America & Caribbean 15,114 21,908 All others 6,748 7,608 Intangible assets $ 779,190 $ 802,791 As at December 31 2020 2019 Canada $ 9,470 $ 7,624 Europe, Middle East & Africa 452 640 Other long-term assets $ 9,922 $ 8,264

Operating Expenses (Tables)

Operating Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of operating expenses	Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Compensation and employee benefits (a) $ 89,882 $ 87,943 $ 98,350 Other operating expenses (b) 57,622 40,332 45,596 Cost of sales (c) 33,370 37,224 41,881 Operating expenses $ 180,874 $ 165,499 $ 185,827

Other Operating (Losses) Gain_2

Other Operating (Losses) Gains, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Operating (Losses) Gains, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of other operating (losses) gains, net	Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Loss on disposal of assets $ (215 ) $ (862 ) $ (353 ) Other — — 1,096 Other operating (losses) gains, net $ (215 ) $ (862 ) $ 743

Interest Expense (Tables)

Interest Expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Schedule of interest expense	Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Interest on indebtedness $ 164,253 $ 239,805 $ 231,015 Interest on derivative instruments 11,625 (13,191 ) (7,105 ) Interest on satellite performance incentive payments 2,930 3,536 4,134 Interest on significant financing component 22,434 25,484 27,374 Interest on employee benefit plans (Note 29) 1,169 1,339 1,488 Interest on leases 1,349 1,288 — Capitalized interest (Note 15) — — (19,120 ) Interest expense $ 203,760 $ 258,261 $ 237,786

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of components of income tax expense	Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Current tax expense $ 77,138 $ 71,202 $ 98,841 Deferred tax recovery (81,491 ) (56,080 ) (37,785 ) Tax (recovery) expense $ (4,353 ) $ 15,122 $ 61,056
Schedule of reconciliation of statutory income tax rate	Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Income (loss) before tax $ 241,225 $ 202,320 $ (29,880 ) Multiplied by the statutory income tax rates 26.46 % 26.56 % 26.59 % 63,828 53,736 (7,945 ) Income tax recorded at rates different from the Canadian tax rate (22,875 ) (13,017 ) (10,823 ) Permanent differences 1,548 (6,760 ) 50,458 Effect on deferred tax balances due to changes in income tax rates (885 ) (2,829 ) (427 ) Effect of temporary differences not recognized as deferred tax assets (43,941 ) (16,681 ) 35,416 Previously unrecognized tax losses and credits — — (6,110 ) Change in estimates related to prior period (1) (1,467 ) (311 ) — Other (1) (561 ) 984 487 Tax (recovery) expense $ (4,353 ) $ 15,122 $ 61,056 Effective income tax rate (1.80 )% 7.47 % (204.34 )%
Schedule of tax effects of temporary differences between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes	(1) Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. As at December 31, 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets Foreign tax credits $ 6,558 $ 5,710 Corporate interest restriction — 11,393 Financing charges 12,004 17,152 Deferred revenue 11,127 13,071 Loss carry forwards 29,715 29,351 Employee benefits 12,438 8,282 Reserves 1,222 — Other 2,531 2,209 Total deferred tax assets $ 75,595 $ 87,168 As at December 31, 2020 2019 Deferred tax liabilities Capital assets $ (149,214 ) $ (178,317 ) Intangible assets (158,957 ) (237,269 ) Unrealized foreign exchange gains (13,405 ) (7,932 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (321,576 ) $ (423,518 ) Deferred tax liabilities, net $ (245,981 ) $ (336,350 )

Trade and Other Receivables (Ta

Trade and Other Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Trade and Other Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of components of trade and other receivables	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Trade receivables $ 47,368 $ 53,893 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (7,257 ) (1,779 ) Net trade receivables 40,111 52,114 Other receivables 11,817 11,948 Trade and other receivables $ 51,928 $ 64,062
Schedule of movement in allowance for doubtful accounts	Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of year $ 1,779 $ 5,136 Provisions for impaired receivables 6,069 604 Receivables written off (146 ) (4,899 ) Impact of foreign exchange (445 ) 938 Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of year $ 7,257 $ 1,779

Other Current Financial Assets

Other Current Financial Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Current Financial Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of other current financial assets	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Security deposits $ 448 $ 210 Other current financial assets $ 448 $ 210

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu_2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of prepaid expenses and other current assets	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Prepaid expenses $ 5,942 $ 12,896 Income tax recoverable 3,116 26,730 Inventory (a) 5,224 3,556 Deferred charges (b) 278 307 Other 8,301 235 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 22,861 $ 43,724

Other Long-Term Financial Ass_2

Other Long-Term Financial Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Long-Term Financial Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of other long-term financial assets	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Long-term receivables $ 17,298 $ 18,932 Security deposits 5,861 5,977 Derivative assets (Note 27) 30,266 32,821 Other long-term financial assets $ 53,425 $ 57,730

Other Long-Term Assets (Tables)

Other Long-Term Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Long-Term Assets [Abstract]
Schedule Schedule of other long-term assetsof other long-term financial assets	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Prepaid expenses $ 452 $ 640 Deferred charges (Note 12) 775 1,039 Income tax recoverable 8,418 6,283 Other 277 302 Other long-term assets $ 9,922 $ 8,264

Satellites, Property and Othe_2

Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment	Satellites Property and other equipment Right-of-use assets (1) Assets under construction Total Cost as at January 1, 2019 $ 3,669,570 $ 255,055 $ — $ 11,137 $ 3,935,762 Cumulative effect adjustment (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 Additions (2) — 1,635 6,813 87,444 95,892 Disposals/retirements (93,755 ) (3,285 ) — — (97,040 ) Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction — 4,463 — (4,463 ) — Impact of foreign exchange (16,028 ) (1,259 ) (438 ) (4,402 ) (22,127 ) Cost as at December 31, 2020 $ 3,443,332 $ 255,792 $ 35,516 $ 89,754 $ 3,824,394 Accumulated depreciation and impairment as at January 1, 2019 $ (2,072,796 ) $ (159,927 ) $ — $ — $ (2,232,723 ) Cumulative effect adjustment (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 ) Depreciation (200,041 ) (13,644 ) (3,200 ) — (216,885 ) Disposals/retirements 93,755 3,007 — — 96,762 Impact of foreign exchange 2,178 705 108 — 2,991 Accumulated depreciation and impairment as at December 31, 2020 $ (2,322,929 ) $ (177,480 ) $ (5,459 ) $ — $ (2,505,868 ) Net carrying values As at December 31, 2019 $ 1,334,294 $ 86,690 $ 26,774 $ 11,175 $ 1,458,933 As at December 31, 2020 $ 1,120,403 $ 78,312 $ 30,057 $ 89,754 $ 1,318,526 (1) Right-of-use assets consisted primarily of property leases. (2) Additions for assets under construction are net of a reduction related to the government grant of $8.0 million. (3) Relates to the recognition of the right-of-use assets in connection with the implementation of IFRS 16, Leases

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets	Orbital slots Trade name Intellectual property Total indefinite life intangible assets Cost as at January 1, 2019 $ 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 and January 1, 2020 608,021 17,000 65,822 690,843 Additions — — 5 5 Disposals/retirements — — (229 ) (229 ) Impact of foreign exchange (808 ) — (757 ) (1,565 ) Cost as at December 31, 2020 $ 607,213 $ 17,000 $ 64,841 $ 689,054 Accumulated impairment as at January 1, 2019 $ (1,100 ) $ — $ — $ (1,100 ) Impairment — — — — Accumulated impairment as at December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020 (1,100 ) — — (1,100 ) Impairment — — — — Accumulated impairment as at December 31, 2020 $ (1,100 ) $ — $ — $ (1,100 ) Net carrying values As at December 31, 2019 $ 606,921 $ 17,000 $ 65,822 $ 689,743 As at December 31, 2020 $ 606,113 $ 17,000 $ 64,841 $ 687,954
Schedule of finite life intangible assets	Revenue backlog Customer relationships Customer contracts Transponder rights Concession rights Other Total finite life intangible assets Cost as at 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, 2019 and January 1, 2020 223,664 198,476 12,858 16,718 30,148 59 481,923 Additions — — — — 24 — 24 Disposals/retirements — (3,943 ) (240 ) — — — (4,183 ) Impact of foreign exchange — 12 — — (7,258 ) — (7,246 ) Cost as at December 31, 2020 $ 223,664 $ 194,545 $ 12,618 $ 16,718 $ 22,914 $ 59 $ 470,518 Accumulated amortization and impairment as at 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 and January 1, 2020 (202,783 ) (137,917 ) (6,951 ) (12,944 ) (8,240 ) (40 ) (368,875 ) Amortization (6,198 ) (6,847 ) (834 ) (1,078 ) (2,235 ) (3 ) (17,195 ) Disposals/retirements — 3,943 240 — — — 4,183 Impact of foreign exchange — (70 ) — — 2,675 — 2,605 Accumulated amortization and impairment as at December 31, 2020 $ (208,981 ) $ (140,891 ) $ (7,545 ) $ (14,022 ) $ (7,800 ) $ (43 ) $ (379,282 ) Net carrying values As at December 31, 2019 $ 20,881 $ 60,559 $ 5,907 $ 3,774 $ 21,908 $ 19 $ 113,048 As at December 31, 2020 $ 14,683 $ 53,654 $ 5,073 $ 2,696 $ 15,114 $ 16 $ 91,236
Schedule of indefinite and finite life intangible assets	As at December 31, 2020 As at December 31, 2019 Cost Accumulated amortization and impairment Net carrying value Cost Accumulated amortization and impairment Net carrying value Indefinite life intangibles $ 689,054 $ (1,100 ) $ 687,954 $ 690,843 $ (1,100 ) $ 689,743 Finite life intangibles 470,518 (379,282 ) 91,236 481,923 (368,875 ) 113,048 Total intangibles $ 1,159,572 $ (380,382 ) $ 779,190 $ 1,172,766 $ (369,975 ) $ 802,791
Schedule of remaining useful lives of intangible assets	Years Revenue backlog 4 Customer relationships 6 to 8 Customer contracts 6 Transponder rights 2 Concession rights 2 to 11 Patent 5

Trade and Other Payables (Table

Trade and Other Payables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Trade and Other Payables [Abstract]
Schedule of trade and other payables	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Trade payables $ 5,393 $ 4,561 Other payables and accrued liabilities (a) 24,698 21,686 Trade and other payables $ 30,091 $ 26,247 (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, 2020
Other Current Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of other current financial liabilities	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Derivative liabilities (Note 27) $ 12,581 $ 3,206 Security deposits 1,141 1,277 Satellite performance incentive payments 7,996 9,608 Interest payable (a) 12,046 20,563 Other 2,116 3,627 Other current financial liabilities $ 35,880 $ 38,281 (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, 2020
Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of other current liabilities	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Deferred revenue (Note 22) $ 81,759 $ 65,704 Decommissioning liabilities (Note 22) 790 826 Uncertain tax positions 1,315 1,315 Income taxes payable 7,326 118 Lease liabilities 2,131 1,866 Other 2,834 2,486 Other current liabilities $ 96,155 $ 72,315

Other Long-Term Financial Lia_2

Other Long-Term Financial Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Long-Term Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of other long-term financial liabilities	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Derivative liabilities (Note 27) $ 5,448 $ 4,710 Security deposits 473 458 Satellite performance incentive payments 29,578 37,343 Other long-term financial liabilities $ 35,499 $ 42,511

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Ta

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of other long-term liabilities	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Deferred revenue (b) $ 332,363 $ 374,642 Accrued benefit liabilities (Note 29) 47,984 32,074 Uncertain tax positions 175 175 Decommissioning liabilities (a) 3,145 2,104 Lease liabilities (c) 26,920 26,716 Other long-term liabilities $ 410,587 $ 435,711 (a) The current and long-term decommissioning liabilities on property and equipment were $3.9 million (December 31, 2019 — $2.9 million). The decommissioning liabilities are for the restoration of leased buildings and teleports. During the year ended December 31, 2020, $0.1 million was recorded as interest expense (December 31, 2019 - $0.1 million) with no decommissioning liabilities derecognized (December 31, 2019 - $0.2 million). It is expected that the decommissioning liabilities will mature between 2021 and 2062. (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 contracts, and any deferred revenue that will be recognized in the future in respect to cash already received. The Company does not include revenue beyond the stated expiration of the contract regardless of potential for renewal.
Schedule of backlog to be recognised	2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total $ 642 $ 518 $ 435 $ 305 $ 217 $ 569 $ 2,686
Schedule of maturity analysis undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities	2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total $ 3,388 $ 3,032 $ 2,981 $ 2,795 $ 2,518 $ 27,840 $ 42,554

Indebtedness (Tables)

Indebtedness (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Indebtedness [Abstract]
Schedule of indebtedness	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Senior Secured Credit Facilities (a) Revolving Credit Facility $ — $ — Term Loan B – U.S. Facility (December 31, 2020 – US$1,552,815, 1,975,957 2,479,142 Senior Notes (US$550,000) (b) 699,875 714,450 Senior Secured Notes (US$400,000) (c) 509,000 519,600 3,184,832 3,713,192 Less: deferred financing costs and prepayment options (d) 2,320 (393 ) 3,187,152 3,712,799 Less: current indebtedness — (24,408 ) Long-term indebtedness $ 3,187,152 $ 3,688,391 (a) The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, which were entered into on December 6, 2019, 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 31, 2020 and 2019, Telesat was in compliance with this covenant. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, have two tranches which are described below: (i) A Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Facility”) of up to $200.0 million U.S. dollars (or Canadian dollar equivalent) is available to Telesat maturing in December 2024. This Revolving Facility is available to be drawn at any time in U.S. funds or Canadian dollar equivalent funds. Loans under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a floating interest rate. 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, 2020, other than $0.2 million (December 31, 2019 - $0.1 million) in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility. (ii) The U.S. TLB Facility is a US$1,908.5 million facility maturing in December 2026. The borrowings under the U.S. TLB Facility bear interest at a floating rate of either: (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. As a result of the prepayment made in December 2020, mandatory quarterly principal repayments will no longer be required. The weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 3.63% (25-day period ended December 31, 2019 – 4.73%). (b) 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 Senior Notes are due in October 2027 and were entered into on October 11, 2019. The total balance of the Senior Notes is US$550.0 million. The Senior Notes include covenants or terms that restrict 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 weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 6.27% (81-day period ended December 31, 2019 - 6.27%). (c) The Senior Secured Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 4.875% with interest payable on June 1 and December 1, annually, commencing in June 2020. The Senior Secured Notes are due in June 2027 and were entered into on December 6, 2019. The total balance of the Senior Secured Notes is US$400.0 million. The Senior Secured Notes are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by the assets of Telesat Canada and the Guarantors. The Senior Secured Notes include covenants or terms that restrict 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 weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 4.76% (25-day period ended December 31, 2019 - 4.76%). (d) 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 $24.9 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $28.3 million). The deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest method. (ii) The U.S. TLB Facility was presented on the balance sheet net of the loss on repayment of $2.3 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $Nil). (iii) The indenture agreement for the Senior Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 27) 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 $15.7 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $17.4 million). (iv) The indenture agreement for the Senior Secured Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 27) 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 and had a carrying amount of $9.3 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $10.5 million).
Schedule of short-term and long-term portions of deferred financing costs, interest rate floors, prepayment option and premiums	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Short-term deferred financing costs $ — $ 3,385 Long-term deferred financing costs 24,888 24,934 $ 24,888 $ 28,319 Short-term prepayment options $ — $ (3,001 ) Long-term prepayment options (24,925 ) (24,925 ) $ (24,925 ) $ (27,926 ) Short-term loss on repayment $ — $ — Long-term loss on repayment (2,283 ) — $ (2,283 ) $ — Deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment $ (2,320 ) $ 393

Share Capital (Tables)

Share Capital (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Share Capital [Abstract]
Schedule of number of shares and stated value of outstanding shares	2020 2019 As at December 31, Number of shares Stated value Number of shares Stated value 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 38,508,117 80,862 38,477,137 80,059 Director Voting Preferred Shares 1,000 10 1,000 10 Share capital $ 155,698 $ 154,895

Capital Disclosures (Tables)

Capital Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Capital Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of company's capital	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Shareholders’ equity (excluding reserves) $ 1,422,212 $ 1,185,950 Debt financing (excluding deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment (December 31, 2019 - deferred financing costs and prepayment options)) $ 3,184,832 $ 3,713,192

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities	Carrying Contractual cash flows 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Trade and other payables $ 30,091 $ 30,091 $ 30,091 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Customer and other deposits 1,614 1,614 1,270 17 83 17 83 144 Satellite performance incentive payments 37,948 47,296 9,316 8,360 7,518 5,918 3,133 13,051 Other financial liabilities 2,116 2,116 2,116 — — — — — Interest rate swaps 18,029 18,330 12,709 5,621 — — — — Indebtedness (1) 3,196,504 4,013,282 129,552 129,359 129,358 129,453 128,404 3,367,156 $ 3,286,302 $ 4,112,729 $ 185,054 $ 143,357 $ 136,959 $ 135,388 $ 131,620 $ 3,380,351
Schedule of interest payable and interest payments	Interest payable Interest payments Satellite performance incentive payments $ 374 $ 9,558 Indebtedness $ 11,672 $ 828,450
Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy	As at December 31, 2020 FVTPL Amortized cost Total Fair value Fair value hierarchy Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 818,378 $ 818,378 $ 818,378 Level 1 Trade and other receivables — 51,928 51,928 51,928 (3) Other current financial assets — 448 448 448 Level 1 Other long-term financial assets (1) 30,266 23,159 53,425 53,425 Level 1, Trade and other payables — (30,091 ) (30,091 ) (30,091 ) (3) Other current financial liabilities (12,581 ) (23,299 ) (35,880 ) (37,921 ) Level 2 Other long-term financial liabilities (5,448 ) (30,051 ) (35,499 ) (36,357 ) Level 2 Indebtedness (2) — (3,184,832 ) (3,184,832 ) (3,214,543 ) Level 2 $ 12,237 $ (2,374,360 ) $ (2,362,123 ) $ (2,394,733 ) As at December 31, 2019 FVTPL Amortized cost Total Fair value Fair value hierarchy 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 )
Schedule of rates used to calculate fair value of indebtedness	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Term Loan B – U.S. Facility – Senior Secured Credit Facilities 98.88 % 100.25 % Senior Notes 104.76 % 104.25 % Senior Secured Notes 103.64 % 102.10 %
Schedule of current and long-term portions of fair value of derivative assets and liabilities	As at December 31, 2020 Other Other Other Total Interest rate swaps $ — $ (12,581 ) $ (5,448 ) $ (18,029 ) Prepayment options 30,266 — — 30,266 $ 30,266 $ (12,581 ) $ (5,448 ) $ 12,237 As at December 31, 2019 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
Schedule of reconciliation of fair value of derivative assets and liabilities	Fair value, December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019 $ 46,795 Derivatives recognized at inception Prepayment option – Senior Notes 17,829 Prepayment option – Senior Secured Notes 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 Unrealized losses on derivatives Prepayment options (2,308 ) Interest rate swaps (10,807 ) Impact of foreign exchange 447 Fair value, December 31, 2020 $ 12,237

Share-Based Compensation Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 2020 451,266
Schedule of movement in number of stock options outstanding and weighted average exercise price	Time vesting option plans Performance vesting option plans Number of Weighted average Number of Weighted average 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 24) (18,120 ) (22,149 ) Expired — — Outstanding at December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020 7,544,617 $ 25.63 409,953 $ 11.07 Granted 650,000 — Forfeited (246,049 ) (3,691 ) Exercised — — Expired — — Outstanding at December 31, 2020 7,948,568 $ 25.83 406,262 $ 11.07
Schedule of movement in the number of restricted share units outstanding	Outstanding, January 1, 2019 200,000 Settled (66,667 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020 133,333 Settled (66,667 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2020 66,666
Schedule of quantity of stock options exercisable and weighted average remaining life	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Time vesting option plans 5,779,565 4,762,335 Performance vesting option plans 406,266 409,953 Weighted average remaining life 6 years 7 years
Schedule of share-based compensation expense	Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Operating expenses $ 12,500 $ 16,035 $ 29,505
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to determine share-based compensation expense using Black-Scholes option pricing model	2020 2019 2018 Dividend yield — % — % — % Expected volatility 32.7 % 32.4 % 31.7 % Risk-free interest rate 2.79 % 2.93 % 2.94 % Expected life (years) 10 10 10

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 benefit plans Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Consolidated statements of income (loss) Operating expenses $ 7,188 $ 6,198 $ 6,345 $ 145 $ 116 $ 276 Interest expense $ 423 $ 524 $ 658 $ 746 $ 815 $ 830 Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) Actuarial losses (gains) on employee benefit plans $ 11,390 $ (3,325 ) $ (4,555 ) $ 2,303 $ 2,191 $ (3,200 )
Schedule of pension and other post-employment benefits obligations, included in other long-term liabilities	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Pension benefits $ 22,070 $ 8,566 Other post-employment benefits 25,914 23,508 Accrued benefit liabilities $ 47,984 $ 32,074
Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance	2020 2019 As at December 31, Pension Other Pension Other Present value of funded obligations $ 375,222 $ — $ 331,737 $ — Fair value of plan assets (354,385 ) — (324,257 ) — 20,837 — 7,480 — Present value of unfunded obligations 1,233 25,914 1,086 23,508 Accrued benefit liabilities $ 22,070 $ 25,914 $ 8,566 $ 23,508
Schedule of changes in benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets	Pension Other Total Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligation, January 1, 2020 $ 332,823 $ 23,508 $ 356,331 Current service cost 6,695 145 6,840 Interest expense 10,723 746 11,469 Remeasurements Actuarial losses arising from plan experience 2,212 184 2,396 Actuarial losses from change in demographic assumptions — 11 11 Actuarial losses from changes in financial assumptions 33,278 2,108 35,386 Benefits paid (10,294 ) (726 ) (11,020 ) Contributions by plan participants 1,018 — 1,018 Foreign exchange — (62 ) (62 ) Benefit obligation, December 31, 2020 376,455 25,914 402,369 Change in fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets, January 1, 2020 (324,257 ) — (324,257 ) Contributions by plan participants (1,018 ) — (1,018 ) Contributions by employer (5,497 ) (726 ) (6,223 ) Interest income (10,300 ) — (10,300 ) Benefits paid 10,294 726 11,020 Remeasurements Return on plan assets, excluding interest income (24,100 ) — (24,100 ) Administrative costs 493 — 493 Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2020 (354,385 ) — (354,385 ) Accrued benefit liabilities, December 31, 2020 $ 22,070 $ 25,914 $ 47,984 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
Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans	Pension Other 2021 $ 11,519 $ 901 2022 $ 12,096 $ 936 2023 $ 12,790 $ 972 2024 $ 13,558 $ 1,008 2025 $ 14,433 $ 1,044 2026 to 2030 $ 80,999 $ 6,620
Schedule of significant assumptions adopted in measuring pension and other benefit obligations	As at December 31, 2020 2019 Equity securities Canada 22.9 % 22.3 % United States 19.7 % 19.8 % International (other than United States) 14.3 % 14.1 % Fixed income instruments Canada 41.0 % 41.2 % Cash and cash equivalents Canada 2.1 % 2.6 %
Schedule of impact on defined benefit obligation from one percent increase or decrease change in assumptions used	Pension Other Pension Other As at December 31, 2020 2020 2019 2019 Actuarial benefit obligation Discount rate 2.60 % 2.00% to 2.60 % 3.20 % 2.95% to 3.20 % Benefit costs for the year ended Discount rate 3.20 % 2.95% to 3.20 % 3.90 % 3.90% to 4.00 % 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 3.49% to 5.49 % Other medical trend rates N/A 4.00% to 4.56 % N/A 4.00% to 4.56 %
Schedule of impact on defined benefit obligation from one percent increase or decrease change in assumptions	Pension Other As at December 31, 2020 1% increase 1% decrease 1% increase 1% decrease Discount rate $ (53,058 ) $ 67,549 $ (3,486 ) $ 4,351 Future salary growth $ 10,423 $ (9,165 ) N/A N/A Medical and dental trend rates N/A N/A $ 2,222 $ (1,839 ) 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 )

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Schedule of cash and cash equivalents	As at December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Cash $ 687,967 $ 542,537 $ 342,874 Short-term investments (1) 130,411 484,685 425,559 Cash and cash equivalents $ 818,378 $ 1,027,222 $ 768,433
Schedule of income taxes paid, net of income taxes received	Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Income taxes paid $ (53,842 ) $ (101,952 ) $ (109,193 ) Income taxes received 399 6,497 2,885 $ (53,443 ) $ (95,455 ) $ (106,308 )
Schedule of interest paid, net of capitalized interest and interest received	Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Interest paid $ (188,969 ) $ (195,671 ) $ (207,339 ) Interest received 8,997 19,559 11,802 Capitalized interest — — 19,120 $ (179,972 ) $ (176,112 ) $ (176,417 )
Schedule of reconciliation of the liabilities arising from financing activities	Indebtedness Satellite performance Lease liabilities Balance as at January 1, 2020 $ 3,712,799 $ 46,951 $ 28,582 Cash outflows (453,592 ) (9,031 ) (1,793 ) Loss on repayment (Note 23) 2,284 — — Amortization of deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment 428 — — Non-cash additions — — 2,788 Interest paid — — (1,649 ) Interest accrued — — 1,349 Other — 182 (91 ) Impact of foreign exchange (74,767 ) (528 ) (135 ) Balance as at December 31, 2020 $ 3,187,152 $ 37,574 $ 29,051 Indebtedness Satellite performance incentive payments Lease liabilities 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 23) 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 — — 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 leases 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 23) 2,828 — — Gain on repricing (Note 24) (6,901 ) — — Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 23) (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
Schedule of net change in operating assets and liabilities	As at December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Trade and other receivables $ (4,173 ) $ (16,113 ) $ 22,056 Financial assets 161 (3,897 ) (210 ) Other assets (7,286 ) (13,183 ) 371 Trade and other payables 1,860 1,685 (4,695 ) Financial liabilities (651 ) (2,125 ) (1,026 ) Other liabilities 25,107 19,691 72,317 $ 15,018 $ (13,942 ) $ 88,813
Schedule of non-cash investing activities	Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Satellites, property and other equipment $ 2,963 $ 29,234 $ 3,795 Intangible assets $ — $ (3,263 ) $ 3,635

Commitments and Contingent Li_2

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations	2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total Property leases $ 1,141 $ 1,079 $ 1,065 $ 1,051 $ 969 $ 12,455 $ 17,760 Capital commitments 32,055 35,057 86,785 — — — 153,897 Other operating commitments 32,681 6,483 5,000 4,244 3,808 11,438 63,654 $ 65,877 $ 42,619 $ 92,850 $ 5,295 $ 4,777 $ 23,893 $ 235,311

Subsidiaries (Tables)

Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation	Company Country Method of Consolidation % voting rights Infosat Communications LP Canada Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Spectrum General Partnership Canada Fully consolidated 100 Telesat LEO Holdings Inc. Canada Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Technology Corporation Canada Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Spectrum Corporation Canada Fully consolidated 100 Telesat Spectrum Holdings Corporation 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 Telesat LEO Inc. United States Fully consolidated 100 Telesat US Services, LLC 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, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of compensation of executives and board level directors	Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Short-term benefits (including salaries) $ 13,058 $ 11,051 $ 16,853 Special payments (1) 710 948 2,904 Post-employment benefits 2,180 2,773 2,510 Share-based payments 12,373 15,649 29,016 $ 28,321 $ 30,421 $ 51,283 (1) Balance relates to the special cash distribution effective January 25, 2017.
Schedule of related parties transaction	Sale of goods and services, interest income Purchase of goods and services, interest expense Years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Revenue $ 133 $ 133 $ 128 $ — $ — $ — Operating expenses $ — $ — $ — $ 6,712 $ 6,645 $ 6,456
Schedule of related parties transaction outstanding	Amounts owed by related parties Amounts owed to related parties At December 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Current receivables/payables $ — $ — $ 105 $ 204

Background of the Company (Deta

Background of the Company (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Background of the Company (Details) [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests held by shareholders for election of directors (Director Voting Preferred Shares)	38.00%
Loral Space and Communications Inc. [Member]
Background of the Company (Details) [Line Items]
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 (Details) [Line Items]
Percentage of economic interests held indirectly	36.00%
Percentage of voting interests held indirectly	67.00%
Director Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Background of the Company (Details) [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests for electing directors	29.00%

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020
6.5% Senior Notes [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowing	6.50%
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowing	4.875%

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of satellites, property and other equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Satellites [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	12 to 15
Right-of-use assets [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	2 to 27
Property and Other Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 to 30

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of finite life intangible assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue Backlog [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of the finite intangible assets	17
Customer Relationships [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of the finite intangible assets	20 to 21
Customer Contracts [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of the finite intangible assets	15
Concession Rights [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of the finite intangible assets	5 to 15
Transponder Rights [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of the finite intangible assets	16
Patents [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of estimated useful lives in years of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of the finite intangible assets	18

Critical Accounting Judgments_2

Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of accounting judgement and estimates [Abstract]
Derivative financial assets, at fair value	$ 30,300	$ 32,800
Derivative financial liabilities, at fair value	18,000	7,900
Goodwill	2,446,603	2,446,603
Intangible assets	$ 779,190	$ 802,791

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Information Detail [Abstract]
Number of customers with greater than 10% of consolidated revenue	2	3	3

Segment Information (Details) -

Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of revenue derived from services - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of revenue derived from services [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 820,468	$ 910,893	$ 902,932
Broadcast [Member]
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of revenue derived from services [Line Items]
Revenue	411,407	444,478	455,125
Enterprise [Member]
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of revenue derived from services [Line Items]
Revenue	389,696	444,732	428,226
Consulting and Other [Member]
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of revenue derived from services [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 19,365	$ 21,683	$ 19,581

Segment Information (Details)_2

Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of equipment sales within services - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of equipment sales within services [Line Items]
Equipment sales services	$ 14,993	$ 8,556	$ 23,954
Broadcast [Member]
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of equipment sales within services [Line Items]
Equipment sales services	1,300	233	315
Enterprise [Member]
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of equipment sales within services [Line Items]
Equipment sales services	$ 13,693	$ 8,323	$ 23,639

Segment Information (Details)_3

Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of geographic regions - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of geographic regions [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 820,468	$ 910,893	$ 902,932
Satellites, property and other equipment	1,318,526	1,458,933
Intangible assets	779,190	802,791
Other long-term assets	9,922	8,264
Canada [Member]
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of geographic regions [Line Items]
Revenue	362,939	395,235	417,692
Satellites, property and other equipment	624,303	682,518
Intangible assets	718,880	733,880
Other long-term assets	9,470	7,624
United States [Member]
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of geographic regions [Line Items]
Revenue	307,433	329,634	318,779
Satellites, property and other equipment	71,659	88,360
Intangible assets	38,448	39,395
Europe, Middle East & Africa [Member]
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of geographic regions [Line Items]
Revenue	44,710	50,911	61,317
Satellites, property and other equipment	619,959	685,562
Other long-term assets	452	640
Latin America & Caribbean [Member]
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of geographic regions [Line Items]
Revenue	64,024	73,120	75,011
Intangible assets	15,114	21,908
Asia & Australia [Member]
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of geographic regions [Line Items]
Revenue	41,362	61,993	$ 30,133
All others [Member]
Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of geographic regions [Line Items]
Satellites, property and other equipment	2,605	2,493
Intangible assets	$ 6,748	$ 7,608

Operating Expenses (Details)

Operating Expenses (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Lease liabilities	$ 1.9	$ 1.7

Operating Expenses (Details) -

Operating Expenses (Details) - Schedule of operating expenses - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of operating expenses [Abstract]
Compensation and employee benefits	[1]	$ 89,882	$ 87,943	$ 98,350
Other operating expenses	[2]	57,622	40,332	45,596
Cost of sales	[3]	33,370	37,224	41,881
Operating expenses		$ 180,874	$ 165,499	$ 185,827
[1]	Compensation and employee benefits included salaries, bonuses, commissions, post-employment benefits and charges arising from share-based compensation.
[2]	Other operating expenses included general and administrative expenses, marketing expenses, in-orbit insurance expenses, professional fees and facility costs. The balance for the year ended December 31, 2020 included $1.9 million of leases not capitalized due to exemptions and variable lease payments not included in the measurement of the leases liabilities (December 31, 2019 - $1.7 million).
[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) - Schedule of other operating (losses) gains, net - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of other operating (losses) gains, net [Abstract]
Loss on disposal of assets	$ (215)	$ (862)	$ (353)
Other			1,096
Other operating (losses) gains, net	$ (215)	$ (862)	$ 743

Interest Expense (Details) - Sc

Interest Expense (Details) - Schedule of interest expense - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of interest expense [Abstract]
Interest on indebtedness	$ 164,253	$ 239,805	$ 231,015
Interest on derivative instruments	11,625	(13,191)	(7,105)
Interest on satellite performance incentive payments	2,930	3,536	4,134
Interest on significant financing component	22,434	25,484	27,374
Interest on employee benefit plans (Note 29)	1,169	1,339	1,488
Interest on leases	1,349	1,288
Capitalized interest (Note 15)			(19,120)
Interest expense	$ 203,760	$ 258,261	$ 237,786

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	$ 79,912	$ 12,412
Foreign tax credits to offset taxes payable	9,500
Deferred tax asset	$ 6,500
Foreign tax credit expire date	The credits are due to expire between 2023 and 2030.
Tax losses carried forward	$ 22,400
Deferred tax assets recognized	5,900
Deductible temporary	1,200
Temporary differences not recognized	11,200
United Kingdom [Member]
Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	23,300
Foreign tax credits to offset taxes payable	4,600
Tax losses carried forward	$ 122,500
Taxable income generated percentage	50.00%
Unrestricted taxable income not subject to limitation	50.00%
Unused interest deduction	$ 130,800
United states [Member]
Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Tax losses carried forward	$ 2,000
Percentage of maximum amount of profit carried-forward	80.00%
Brazil [Member]
Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	$ 500
Tax losses carried forward	$ 1,500
Taxable income generated percentage	30.00%

Income Taxes (Details) - Schedu

Income Taxes (Details) - Schedule of components of income tax expense - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of components of income tax expense [Abstract]
Current tax expense	$ 77,138	$ 71,202	$ 98,841
Deferred tax recovery	(81,491)	(56,080)	(37,785)
Tax (recovery) expense	$ (4,353)	$ 15,122	$ 61,056

Income Taxes (Details) - Sche_2

Income Taxes (Details) - Schedule of reconciliation of statutory income tax rate - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of reconciliation of statutory income tax rate [Abstract]
Income (loss) before tax		$ 241,225	$ 202,320	$ (29,880)
Multiplied by the statutory income tax rates		26.46%	26.56%	26.59%
Tax expenses income at applicable tax rate		$ 63,828	$ 53,736	$ (7,945)
Income tax recorded at rates different from the Canadian tax rate		(22,875)	(13,017)	(10,823)
Permanent differences		1,548	(6,760)	50,458
Effect on deferred tax balances due to changes in income tax rates		(885)	(2,829)	(427)
Effect of temporary differences not recognized as deferred tax assets		(43,941)	(16,681)	35,416
Previously unrecognized temporary differences				(6,110)
Adjustments related to prior periods	[1]	(1,467)	(311)
Other	[1]	(561)	984	487
Tax (recovery) expense		$ (4,353)	$ 15,122	$ 61,056
Effective income tax rate		(1.80%)	7.47%	(204.34%)
[1]	Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Income Taxes (Details) - Sche_3

Income Taxes (Details) - Schedule of tax effects of temporary differences between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred tax assets
Foreign tax credits	$ 6,558	$ 5,710
Corporate interest restriction		11,393
Financing charges	12,004	17,152
Deferred revenue	11,127	13,071
Loss carry forwards	29,715	29,351
Employee benefits	12,438	8,282
Reserves	1,222
Other	2,531	2,209
Total deferred tax assets	75,595	87,168
Deferred tax liabilities
Capital assets	(149,214)	(178,317)
Intangible assets	(158,957)	(237,269)
Unrealized foreign exchange gains	(13,405)	(7,932)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(321,576)	(423,518)
Deferred tax liabilities, net	$ (245,981)	$ (336,350)

Trade and Other Receivables (De

Trade and Other Receivables (Details) - Schedule of components of trade and other receivables - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of components of trade and other receivables [Abstract]
Trade receivables	$ 47,368	$ 53,893
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(7,257)	(1,779)
Net trade receivables	40,111	52,114
Other receivables	11,817	11,948
Trade and other receivables	$ 51,928	$ 64,062

Trade and Other Receivables (_2

Trade and Other Receivables (Details) - Schedule of movement in allowance for doubtful accounts - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of movement in allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of year	$ 1,779	$ 5,136
Provisions for impaired receivables	6,069	604
Receivables written off	(146)	(4,899)
Impact of foreign exchange	(445)	938
Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of year	$ 7,257	$ 1,779

Other Current Financial Asset_2

Other Current Financial Assets (Details) - Schedule of other current financial assets - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of other current financial assets [Abstract]
Security deposits	$ 448	$ 210
Other current financial assets	$ 448	$ 210

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu_3

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Details [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 1.2	$ 1.4
Work in progress	4.1	2.2
Recognized cost of equipment sales	$ 10.4	$ 7	$ 17.7

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu_4

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) - Schedule of prepaid expenses and other current assets - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of prepaid expenses and other current assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses		$ 5,942	$ 12,896
Income tax recoverable		3,116	26,730
Inventory	[1]	5,224	3,556
Deferred charges	[2]	278	307
Other		8,301	235
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$ 22,861	$ 43,724
[1]	As at December 31, 2020, inventory consisted of $1.2 million of finished goods (December 31, 2019 — $1.4 million) and $4.1 million of work in process (December 31, 2019 — $2.2 million). During the year, $10.4 million was recognized as cost of equipment sales and recorded as an operating expense (December 31, 2019 — $7.0 million, December 31, 2018 — $17.7 million).
[2]	Deferred charges included deferred financing charges relating to the Revolving Credit Facility.

Other Long-Term Financial Ass_3

Other Long-Term Financial Assets (Details) - Schedule of other long-term financial assets - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of other long-term financial assets [Abstract]
Long-term receivables	$ 17,298	$ 18,932
Security deposits	5,861	5,977
Derivative assets (Note 27)	30,266	32,821
Other long-term financial assets	$ 53,425	$ 57,730

Other Long-Term Assets (Details

Other Long-Term Assets (Details) - Schedule of other long-term assets - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of other long-term assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$ 452	$ 640
Deferred charges (Note 12)	775	1,039
Income tax recoverable	8,418	6,283
Other	277	302
Other long-term assets	$ 9,922	$ 8,264

Satellites, Property and Othe_3

Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) [Line Items]
Government grant reduction	$ 8	$ 3.3
Leases not capitalized	$ 10.3	$ 10.8
Borrowing costs			$ 19.1
Average capitalization rate			7.00%
Satellites [Member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) [Line Items]
Borrowing costs			$ 0.4
Telesat International Limited [Member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) [Line Items]
Proportion of ownership interest in joint operation	42.50%

Satellites, Property and Othe_4

Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Cost at beginning of year		$ 1,458,933
Net carrying values at beginning of year				$ 1,458,933
Depreciation		(216,885)		(242,966)	$ (224,851)
Cost at end of year		1,318,526		1,458,933
Net carrying values at end of year		1,318,526			1,458,933
Gross carrying amount [member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Cost at beginning of year		3,847,669		3,935,762
Cumulative effect adjustment	[1]			26,258
Additions		95,892	[2]	11,438
Disposals/retirements		(97,040)		(84,732)
Impact of foreign exchange		(22,127)		(41,057)
Cost at end of year		3,824,394		3,847,669	3,935,762
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation and impairment at beginning of year		(2,388,736)		(2,232,723)
Cumulative effect adjustment	[1]			92
Depreciation		(216,885)		(242,966)
Disposals/retirements		96,762		83,701
Impact of foreign exchange		2,991		3,160
Accumulated depreciation and impairment at end of year		(2,505,868)		(2,388,736)	(2,232,723)
Satellites [Member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Net carrying values at beginning of year				1,334,294
Net carrying values at end of year		1,120,403			1,334,294
Satellites [Member] | Gross carrying amount [member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Cost at beginning of year		3,553,115		3,669,570
Cumulative effect adjustment	[1]
Additions	[2]
Disposals/retirements		(93,755)		(77,322)
Impact of foreign exchange		(16,028)		(39,133)
Cost at end of year		3,443,332		3,553,115	3,669,570
Satellites [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation and impairment at beginning of year		(2,218,821)		(2,072,796)
Cumulative effect adjustment	[1]
Depreciation		(200,041)		(225,675)
Disposals/retirements		93,755		77,322
Impact of foreign exchange		2,178		2,328
Accumulated depreciation and impairment at end of year		(2,322,929)		(2,218,821)	(2,072,796)
Property and other equipment [Member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Net carrying values at beginning of year				86,690
Net carrying values at end of year		78,312			86,690
Property and other equipment [Member] | Gross carrying amount [member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Cost at beginning of year		254,238		255,055
Cumulative effect adjustment	[1]			(474)
Additions		1,635	[2]	797
Disposals/retirements		(3,285)		(7,306)
Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction		4,463		7,652
Impact of foreign exchange		(1,259)		(1,486)
Cost at end of year		255,792		254,238	255,055
Property and other equipment [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation and impairment at beginning of year		(167,548)		(159,927)
Cumulative effect adjustment	[1]			92
Depreciation		(13,644)		(14,890)
Disposals/retirements		3,007		6,379
Impact of foreign exchange		705		798
Accumulated depreciation and impairment at end of year		(177,480)		(167,548)	(159,927)
Right-of-use assets [Member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Net carrying values at beginning of year	[3]			26,774
Net carrying values at end of year	[3]	30,057			26,774
Right-of-use assets [Member] | Gross carrying amount [member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Cost at beginning of year	[3]	29,141
Cumulative effect adjustment	[1],[3]			26,732
Additions	[3]	6,813	[2]	2,798
Disposals/retirements	[3]			(104)
Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction	[3]
Impact of foreign exchange	[3]	(438)		(285)
Cost at end of year	[3]	35,516		29,141
Right-of-use assets [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation and impairment at beginning of year	[3]	(2,367)
Cumulative effect adjustment	[1],[3]
Depreciation	[3]	(3,200)		(2,401)
Disposals/retirements	[3]
Impact of foreign exchange	[3]	108		34
Accumulated depreciation and impairment at end of year	[3]	(5,459)		(2,367)
Assets under construction [Member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Net carrying values at beginning of year				11,175
Net carrying values at end of year		89,754			11,175
Assets under construction [Member] | Gross carrying amount [member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Cost at beginning of year		11,175		11,137
Cumulative effect adjustment	[1]
Additions		87,444	[2]	7,843
Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction		(4,463)		(7,652)
Impact of foreign exchange		(4,402)		(153)
Cost at end of year		$ 89,754		11,175	$ 11,137
Assets under construction [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [member]
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment (Details) - Schedule of satellites, property and other equipment [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment	[1]
[1]	Relates to the recognition of the right-of-use assets in connection with the implementation of IFRS 16, Leases as at January 1, 2019.
[2]	Additions for assets under construction are net of a reduction related to the government grant of $8.0 million.
[3]	Right-of-use assets consisted primarily of property leases.

Intangible Assets (Details)

Intangible Assets (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Government grants (in Dollars)	$ 8	$ 3.3
Senior Secured Credit Facilities	4.875%
Discount rate		8.50%
Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Discount rate	8.00%
Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Discount rate	15.00%

Intangible Assets (Details) - S

Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Orbital slots [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		$ 608,021	$ 609,995
Additions	[1]
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange		(808)	(1,974)
Balance at ending		607,213	608,021
Orbital slots [Member] | Accumulated impairment [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		(1,100)
Impairment
Balance at ending		(1,100)	(1,100)
Orbital slots [Member] | Net carrying values [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		606,921
Balance at ending		606,113	606,921
Trade name [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		17,000	17,000
Additions	[1]
Disposals/retirements
Balance at ending		17,000	17,000
Trade name [Member] | Accumulated impairment [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Impairment
Trade name [Member] | Net carrying values [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		17,000
Balance at ending		17,000	17,000
Intellectual property [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		65,822	47,049
Additions		5	20,137	[1]
Disposals/retirements		(229)
Impact of foreign exchange		(757)	(1,364)
Balance at ending		64,841	65,822
Intellectual property [Member] | Accumulated impairment [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Impairment
Intellectual property [Member] | Net carrying values [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		65,822
Balance at ending		64,841	65,822
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		690,843	674,044
Additions		5	20,137	[1]
Disposals/retirements		(229)
Impact of foreign exchange		(1,565)	(3,338)
Balance at ending		689,054	690,843
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [member] | Accumulated impairment [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		(1,100)
Impairment
Balance at ending		(1,100)	(1,100)
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life [member] | Net carrying values [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		689,743
Balance at ending		$ 687,954	$ 689,743
[1]	Additions for intellectual property for 2019 are net of a reduction related to the government grant of $3.3 million.

Intangible Assets (Details) -_2

Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets - IntangibleAssetsWithFiniteUsefulLife1Member - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		$ 113,048
Balance at ending	$ 91,236
Revenue Backlog [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		20,881
Balance at ending	14,683
Customer relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		60,559
Balance at ending	53,654
Customer Contracts [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		5,907
Balance at ending	5,073
Transponder Rights [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		3,774
Balance at ending	2,696
Concession rights [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		21,908
Balance at ending	15,114
Other [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning		19
Balance at ending	16
Gross carrying amount [member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	481,923	507,475
Balance at ending	470,518	481,923
Additions	24	162
Disposals/retirements	(4,183)	(21,625)
Impact of foreign exchange	(7,246)	(4,089)
Gross carrying amount [member] | Revenue Backlog [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	223,664	235,955
Balance at ending	223,664	223,664
Additions
Disposals/retirements		(11,051)
Impact of foreign exchange		(1,240)
Gross carrying amount [member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	198,476	198,727
Balance at ending	194,545	198,476
Additions
Disposals/retirements	(3,943)
Impact of foreign exchange	12	(251)
Gross carrying amount [member] | Customer Contracts [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	12,858	23,142
Balance at ending	12,618	12,858
Additions
Disposals/retirements	(240)	(10,284)
Impact of foreign exchange
Gross carrying amount [member] | Transponder Rights [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	16,718	16,718
Balance at ending	16,718	16,718
Additions
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange
Gross carrying amount [member] | Concession rights [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	30,148	32,874
Balance at ending	22,914	30,148
Additions	24	162
Disposals/retirements		(290)
Impact of foreign exchange	(7,258)	(2,598)
Gross carrying amount [member] | Other [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	59	59
Balance at ending	59	59
Additions
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	(368,875)	(369,265)
Balance at ending	(379,282)	(368,875)
Amortization	(17,195)	(23,277)
Disposals/retirements	4,183	21,569
Impact of foreign exchange	2,605	2,098
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [member] | Revenue Backlog [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	(202,783)	(207,770)
Balance at ending	(208,981)	(202,783)
Amortization	(6,198)	(7,291)
Disposals/retirements		11,051
Impact of foreign exchange		1,227
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	(137,917)	(130,564)
Balance at ending	(140,891)	(137,917)
Amortization	(6,847)	(7,495)
Disposals/retirements	3,943
Impact of foreign exchange	(70)	142
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [member] | Customer Contracts [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	(6,951)	(12,116)
Balance at ending	(7,545)	(6,951)
Amortization	(834)	(5,119)
Disposals/retirements	240	10,284
Impact of foreign exchange
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [member] | Transponder Rights [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	(12,944)	(11,866)
Balance at ending	(14,022)	(12,944)
Amortization	(1,078)	(1,078)
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [member] | Concession rights [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	(8,240)	(6,912)
Balance at ending	(7,800)	(8,240)
Amortization	(2,235)	(2,291)
Disposals/retirements		234
Impact of foreign exchange	2,675	729
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [member] | Other [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning	(40)	(37)
Balance at ending	(43)	(40)
Amortization	(3)	(3)
Disposals/retirements
Impact of foreign exchange

Intangible Assets (Details) -_3

Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite and finite life intangible assets - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Gross carrying amount [member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite and finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Total intangibles	$ 1,159,572	$ 1,172,766
Gross carrying amount [member] | Intangible assets with Indefinite life intangibles [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite and finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Total intangibles	689,054	690,843
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite and finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Total intangibles	(380,382)	(369,975)
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member] | Intangible assets with Indefinite life intangibles [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite and finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Total intangibles	(1,100)	(1,100)
Net carrying value [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite and finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Total intangibles	779,190	802,791
Net carrying value [Member] | Intangible assets with Indefinite life intangibles [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite and finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Total intangibles	687,954	689,743
Intangible assets with Finite life intangibles [Member] | Gross carrying amount [member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite and finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Total intangibles	470,518	481,923
Intangible assets with Finite life intangibles [Member] | Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite and finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Total intangibles	(379,282)	(368,875)
Intangible assets with Finite life intangibles [Member] | Net carrying value [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of indefinite and finite life intangible assets [Line Items]
Total intangibles	$ 91,236	$ 113,048

Intangible Assets (Details) -_4

Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of remaining useful lives of intangible assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue Backlog [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of remaining useful lives of intangible assets [Line Items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets	4 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of remaining useful lives of intangible assets [Line Items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets	6 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of remaining useful lives of intangible assets [Line Items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets	8 years
Customer Contracts [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of remaining useful lives of intangible assets [Line Items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets	6 years
Transponder Rights [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of remaining useful lives of intangible assets [Line Items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets	2 years
Concession Rights [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of remaining useful lives of intangible assets [Line Items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets	2 years
Concession Rights [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of remaining useful lives of intangible assets [Line Items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets	11 years
Patents [Member]
Intangible Assets (Details) - Schedule of remaining useful lives of intangible assets [Line Items]
Remaining useful lives of intangible assets	5 years

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 2,446,603	$ 2,446,603

Trade and Other Payables (Detai

Trade and Other Payables (Details) - Schedule of trade and other payables - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of trade and other payables [Abstract]
Trade payables		$ 5,393	$ 4,561
Other payables and accrued liabilities	[1]	24,698	21,686
Trade and other payables		$ 30,091	$ 26,247
[1]	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_3

Other Current Financial Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of other current financial liabilities - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of other current financial liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities (Note 27)		$ 12,581	$ 3,206
Security deposits		1,141	1,277
Satellite performance incentive payments		7,996	9,608
Interest payable	[1]	12,046	20,563
Other		2,116	3,627
Other current financial liabilities		$ 35,880	$ 38,281
[1]	Interest payable included interest payable on indebtedness, satellite performance incentive payments, and other current financial liabilities.

Other Current Liabilities (Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of other current liabilities - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of other current liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred revenue (Note 22)	$ 81,759	$ 65,704
Decommissioning liabilities (Note 22)	790	826
Uncertain tax positions	1,315	1,315
Income taxes payable	7,326	118
Lease liabilities	2,131	1,866
Other	2,834	2,486
Other current liabilities	$ 96,155	$ 72,315

Other Long-Term Financial Lia_3

Other Long-Term Financial Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of other long-term financial liabilities - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of other long-term financial liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities (Note 27)	$ 5,448	$ 4,710
Security deposits	473	458
Satellite performance incentive payments	29,578	37,343
Other long-term financial liabilities	$ 35,499	$ 42,511

Other Long-Term Liabilities (De

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of other non-current liabilities [text block] [Abstract]
Decommissioning liabilities on property and equipment	$ 3.9	$ 2.9
Interest expense related to decommissioning liabilities	0.1	0.1
Decommissioning liabilities		$ 0.2
Interest payments	$ 13.3

Other Long-Term Liabilities (_2

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of other long-term liabilities - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of other long-term liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred revenue	[1]	$ 332,363	$ 374,642
Accrued benefit liabilities (Note 29)		47,984	32,074
Uncertain tax positions		175	175
Decommissioning liabilities	[2]	3,145	2,104
Lease liabilities		26,920	26,716
Other long-term liabilities		$ 410,587	$ 435,711
[1]	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 contracts, and any deferred revenue that will be recognized in the future in respect to cash already received. The Company does not include revenue beyond the stated expiration of the contract regardless of potential for renewal.
[2]	The current and long-term decommissioning liabilities on property and equipment were $3.9 million (December 31, 2019 — $2.9 million). The decommissioning liabilities are for the restoration of leased buildings and teleports. During the year ended December 31, 2020, $0.1 million was recorded as interest expense (December 31, 2019 - $0.1 million) with no decommissioning liabilities derecognized (December 31, 2019 - $0.2 million). It is expected that the decommissioning liabilities will mature between 2021 and 2062.

Other Long-Term Liabilities (_3

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of backlog to be recognised $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of backlog to be recognised [Line Items]
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 2,686
2021 [Member]
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of backlog to be recognised [Line Items]
Total other long-term liabilities	642
2022 [Member]
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of backlog to be recognised [Line Items]
Total other long-term liabilities	518
2023 [Member]
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of backlog to be recognised [Line Items]
Total other long-term liabilities	435
2024 [Member]
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of backlog to be recognised [Line Items]
Total other long-term liabilities	305
2025 [Member]
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of backlog to be recognised [Line Items]
Total other long-term liabilities	217
Thereafter [Member]
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of backlog to be recognised [Line Items]
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 569

Other Long-Term Liabilities (_4

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of maturity analysis undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of maturity analysis undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	$ 42,554
2021 [Member]
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of maturity analysis undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	3,388
2022 [Member]
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of maturity analysis undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	3,032
2023 [Member]
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of maturity analysis undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	2,981
2024 [Member]
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of maturity analysis undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	2,795
2025 [Member]
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of maturity analysis undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	2,518
Thereafter [Member]
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of maturity analysis undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities [Line Items]
Maturity analysis lease liabilities	$ 27,840

Indebtedness (Details)

Indebtedness (Details) $ in Thousands, $ in Millions	Dec. 06, 2019CAD ($)	Dec. 06, 2019USD ($)	Oct. 11, 2019CAD ($)	Oct. 11, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)	Dec. 06, 2019USD ($)
Indebtedness (Details) [Line Items]
Debt issue costs			$ 7,400				$ 28,082	$ 10,190
Borrowings maturity date	The term loan facility matures in December 2026 while the revolving credit facility matures in December 2024.	The term loan facility matures in December 2026 while the revolving credit facility matures in December 2024.
Interest rate on borrowing	35.00%								35.00%
Senior secured credit facilities, description					The former senior secured credit facilities was fully repaid on December 6, 2019 from the new amended and restated Credit Agreement in the amount of US$1,908.5 million and the US$400 million 4.875% Senior Secured Notes.	The former senior secured credit facilities was fully repaid on December 6, 2019 from the new amended and restated Credit Agreement in the amount of US$1,908.5 million and the US$400 million 4.875% Senior Secured Notes.
4.875% Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) [Line Items]
Debt issue costs						$ 400
Interest rate on notes					4.875%	4.875%
Senior secured credit facilities [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowing					4.875%
8.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) [Line Items]
Former senior secured credit facilities, description					The prepayment resulted in the recognition of a loss of $2.3 million, which was recorded against interest and other income and indebtedness. The loss recorded against the indebtedness is subsequently amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. (a) The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, which were entered into on December 6, 2019, 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 31, 2020 and 2019, Telesat was in compliance with this covenant. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, have two tranches which are described below: (i) A Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Facility”) of up to $200.0 million U.S. dollars (or Canadian dollar equivalent) is available to Telesat maturing in December 2024. This Revolving Facility is available to be drawn at any time in U.S. funds or Canadian dollar equivalent funds. Loans under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a floating interest rate.	The prepayment resulted in the recognition of a loss of $2.3 million, which was recorded against interest and other income and indebtedness. The loss recorded against the indebtedness is subsequently amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. (a) The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, which were entered into on December 6, 2019, 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 31, 2020 and 2019, Telesat was in compliance with this covenant. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, have two tranches which are described below: (i) A Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Facility”) of up to $200.0 million U.S. dollars (or Canadian dollar equivalent) is available to Telesat maturing in December 2024. This Revolving Facility is available to be drawn at any time in U.S. funds or Canadian dollar equivalent funds. Loans under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a floating interest rate.
6.5% Senior Notes and 4.875% Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facilities, description					(d) 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 $24.9 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $28.3 million). The deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest method. (ii) The U.S. TLB Facility was presented on the balance sheet net of the loss on repayment of $2.3 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $Nil). (iii) The indenture agreement for the Senior Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 27) 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 $15.7 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $17.4 million). (iv) The indenture agreement for the Senior Secured Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 27) 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.	(d) 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 $24.9 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $28.3 million). The deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest method. (ii) The U.S. TLB Facility was presented on the balance sheet net of the loss on repayment of $2.3 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $Nil). (iii) The indenture agreement for the Senior Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 27) 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 $15.7 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $17.4 million). (iv) The indenture agreement for the Senior Secured Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 27) 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.
Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) [Line Items]
Payment on term loan						$ 341.4
Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member] | Senior secured credit facilities [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facilities, description					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 former senior secured credit facilities was fully repaid on December 6, 2019 from the new amended and restated Credit Agreement in the amount of US$1,908.5 million and the US$400 million 4.875% Senior Secured Notes. In December 2020, the Company made a US$341.4 million prepayment on the Term Loan B – U.S. Facility. The prepayment was applied to all mandatory future quarterly principal repayments, with the remaining balance of the prepayment being applied towards the principal amount outstanding on maturity. The prepayment resulted in the recognition of a loss of $2.3 million, which was recorded against interest and other income and indebtedness. The loss recorded against the indebtedness is subsequently amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. (a) The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, which were entered into on December 6, 2019, 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 31, 2020 and 2019, Telesat was in compliance with this covenant. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, have two tranches which are described below: (i) A Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Facility”) of up to $200.0 million U.S. dollars (or Canadian dollar equivalent) is available to Telesat maturing in December 2024. This Revolving Facility is available to be drawn at any time in U.S. funds or Canadian dollar equivalent funds. Loans under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a floating interest rate. 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, 2020, other than $0.2 million (December 31, 2019 - $0.1 million) in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility. (ii) The U.S. TLB Facility is a US$1,908.5 million facility maturing in December 2026. The borrowings under the U.S. TLB Facility bear interest at a floating rate of either: (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. As a result of the prepayment made in December 2020, mandatory quarterly principal repayments will no longer be required. The weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 3.63% (25-day period ended December 31, 2019 – 4.73%). (b) 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 Senior Notes are due in October 2027 and were entered into on October 11, 2019. The total balance of the Senior Notes is US$550.0 million. The Senior Notes include covenants or terms that restrict 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 weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 6.27% (81-day period ended December 31, 2019 - 6.27%). (c) The Senior Secured Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 4.875% with interest payable on June 1 and December 1, annually, commencing in June 2020. The Senior Secured Notes are due in June 2027 and were entered into on December 6, 2019. The total balance of the Senior Secured Notes is US$400.0 million.	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 former senior secured credit facilities was fully repaid on December 6, 2019 from the new amended and restated Credit Agreement in the amount of US$1,908.5 million and the US$400 million 4.875% Senior Secured Notes. In December 2020, the Company made a US$341.4 million prepayment on the Term Loan B – U.S. Facility. The prepayment was applied to all mandatory future quarterly principal repayments, with the remaining balance of the prepayment being applied towards the principal amount outstanding on maturity. The prepayment resulted in the recognition of a loss of $2.3 million, which was recorded against interest and other income and indebtedness. The loss recorded against the indebtedness is subsequently amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. (a) The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, which were entered into on December 6, 2019, 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 31, 2020 and 2019, Telesat was in compliance with this covenant. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, have two tranches which are described below: (i) A Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Facility”) of up to $200.0 million U.S. dollars (or Canadian dollar equivalent) is available to Telesat maturing in December 2024. This Revolving Facility is available to be drawn at any time in U.S. funds or Canadian dollar equivalent funds. Loans under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a floating interest rate. 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, 2020, other than $0.2 million (December 31, 2019 - $0.1 million) in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility. (ii) The U.S. TLB Facility is a US$1,908.5 million facility maturing in December 2026. The borrowings under the U.S. TLB Facility bear interest at a floating rate of either: (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. As a result of the prepayment made in December 2020, mandatory quarterly principal repayments will no longer be required. The weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 3.63% (25-day period ended December 31, 2019 – 4.73%). (b) 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 Senior Notes are due in October 2027 and were entered into on October 11, 2019. The total balance of the Senior Notes is US$550.0 million. The Senior Notes include covenants or terms that restrict 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 weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 6.27% (81-day period ended December 31, 2019 - 6.27%). (c) The Senior Secured Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 4.875% with interest payable on June 1 and December 1, annually, commencing in June 2020. The Senior Secured Notes are due in June 2027 and were entered into on December 6, 2019. The total balance of the Senior Secured Notes is US$400.0 million.
Payment on term loan					$ 1,552,815		$ 1,908,500
Borrowings amount					$ 1,908,500
Term Loan B - U.S. Facility [Member] | Former Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) [Line Items]
Former senior secured credit facilities, description					The borrowings under the U.S. TLB Facility bear interest at a floating rate of either: (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 borrowings under the U.S. TLB Facility bear interest at a floating rate of either: (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%.
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Former Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) [Line Items]
Former 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, 2020, other than $0.2 million (December 31, 2019 - $0.1 million) in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility.	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, 2020, other than $0.2 million (December 31, 2019 - $0.1 million) in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility.
Credit Agreement [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) [Line Items]
Debt issue costs	$ 16,000
Senior secured credit facilities									$ 1,908.5
Revolving credit borrowings									$ 200
Revolving credit facility	1,300
Private Placement [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) [Line Items]
Debt issue costs	$ 6,600			$ 550
Interest rate on notes	4.875%	4.875%	6.50%	6.50%
Description of notes			The Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to Telesat Canada’s existing and future secured indebtedness, including obligations under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities and Senior Secured Notes. The Senior Notes are governed by the 6.5% Senior Notes Indenture. With the 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 US$500 million 8.875% Senior Notes.	The Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to Telesat Canada’s existing and future secured indebtedness, including obligations under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities and Senior Secured Notes. The Senior Notes are governed by the 6.5% Senior Notes Indenture. With the 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 US$500 million 8.875% Senior Notes.
Debt maturity	On December 6, 2019, Telesat Canada issued, through private placement, US$400 million of Senior Secured Notes, at an interest rate of 4.875%, which mature in June 2027.	On December 6, 2019, Telesat Canada issued, through private placement, US$400 million of Senior Secured Notes, at an interest rate of 4.875%, which mature in June 2027.
Private Placement [Member] | 4.875% Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) [Line Items]
Debt issue costs		$ 400
Interest rate on notes	4.875%	4.875%

Indebtedness (Details) - Schedu

Indebtedness (Details) - Schedule of indebtedness - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Senior Secured Credit Facilities(a)
Borrowings before deferred financing costs		$ 3,184,832	$ 3,713,192
Less: deferred financing costs and prepayment options	[1]	2,320	(393)
Borrowings		3,187,152	3,712,799
Less: current indebtedness			(24,408)
Long-term indebtedness		3,187,152	3,688,391
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities(a)
Borrowings before deferred financing costs	[2]
Term Loan B – U.S. Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities(a)
Borrowings before deferred financing costs	[2]	1,975,957	2,479,142
Senior Notes [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities(a)
Borrowings before deferred financing costs	[3]	699,875	714,450
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities(a)
Borrowings before deferred financing costs	[4]	$ 509,000	$ 519,600
[1]	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 $24.9 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $28.3 million). The deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest method. (ii) The U.S. TLB Facility was presented on the balance sheet net of the loss on repayment of $2.3 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $Nil). (iii) The indenture agreement for the Senior Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 27) 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 $15.7 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $17.4 million). (iv) The indenture agreement for the Senior Secured Notes contained provisions for certain prepayment options (Note 27) 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 and had a carrying amount of $9.3 million as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $10.5 million).
[2]	The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, which were entered into on December 6, 2019, 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 31, 2020 and 2019, Telesat was in compliance with this covenant. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities, have two tranches which are described below: (i) A Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Facility”) of up to $200.0 million U.S. dollars (or Canadian dollar equivalent) is available to Telesat maturing in December 2024. This Revolving Facility is available to be drawn at any time in U.S. funds or Canadian dollar equivalent funds. Loans under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a floating interest rate. 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, 2020, other than $0.2 million (December 31, 2019 - $0.1 million) in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility. (ii) The U.S. TLB Facility is a US$1,908.5 million facility maturing in December 2026. The borrowings under the U.S. TLB Facility bear interest at a floating rate of either: (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. As a result of the prepayment made in December 2020, mandatory quarterly principal repayments will no longer be required. The weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 3.63% (25-day period ended December 31, 2019 – 4.73%).
[3]	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 Senior Notes are due in October 2027 and were entered into on October 11, 2019. The total balance of the Senior Notes is US$550.0 million. The Senior Notes include covenants or terms that restrict 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 weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 6.27% (81-day period ended December 31, 2019 - 6.27%).
[4]	The Senior Secured Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 4.875% with interest payable on June 1 and December 1, annually, commencing in June 2020. The Senior Secured Notes are due in June 2027 and were entered into on December 6, 2019. The total balance of the Senior Secured Notes is US$400.0 million. The Senior Secured Notes are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by the assets of Telesat Canada and the Guarantors. The Senior Secured Notes include covenants or terms that restrict 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 weighted average effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 4.76% (25-day period ended December 31, 2019 - 4.76%).

Indebtedness (Details) - Sche_2

Indebtedness (Details) - Schedule of indebtedness (Parentheticals) $ in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Term Loan B – U.S. Facility [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) - Schedule of indebtedness (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Term Loan B – U.S. Facility		$ 341.4
Term Loan B – U.S. Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) - Schedule of indebtedness (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Term Loan B – U.S. Facility	$ 1,552,815		$ 1,908,500
Senior Notes [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) - Schedule of indebtedness (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Senior Notes	550,000		550,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) - Schedule of indebtedness (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Senior Secured Notes	$ 400,000		$ 400,000

Indebtedness (Details) - Sche_3

Indebtedness (Details) - Schedule of short-term and long-term portions of deferred financing costs, interest rate floors, prepayment option and premiums - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Indebtedness (Details) - Schedule of short-term and long-term portions of deferred financing costs, interest rate floors, prepayment option and premiums [Line Items]
Short-term deferred financing costs		$ 3,385
Long-term deferred financing costs	$ 24,888	24,934
Deferred financing cost	24,888	28,319
Deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment options and net gain on repricing/repayment	(2,320)	393
8.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) - Schedule of short-term and long-term portions of deferred financing costs, interest rate floors, prepayment option and premiums [Line Items]
Short-term prepayment options		(3,001)
Long-term prepayment options	(24,925)	(24,925)
Prepayment option	(24,925)	$ (27,926)
8.875% Senior Notes [Member] | Senior secured credit facilities [Member]
Indebtedness (Details) - Schedule of short-term and long-term portions of deferred financing costs, interest rate floors, prepayment option and premiums [Line Items]
Short-term net gain on repricing/repayment
Long-term net gain on repricing/repayment	(2,283)
Net gain on repricing/repyament	$ (2,283)

Share Capital (Details)

Share Capital (Details)	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019shares	Jan. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018shares	Dec. 31, 2017shares	Dec. 31, 2015shares	Dec. 31, 2013shares	Dec. 31, 2008shares
Share Capital (Details) [Line Items]
Number of options granted					17,505,045
Restricted shares in units	30,980	30,980
Number of shares authorised (in Shares)	451,266	500,000			451,266	3,280,000	350,000	62,404	4,036,729	8,824,646
Purchase of non-voting shares (in Shares)					17,495,233
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Share Capital (Details) [Line Items]
Number of options granted			40,269	95,363
Number of options exercised			14,846
Restricted shares in units	66,667	66,667
Number of shares authorised (in Shares)	200,000				200,000
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Share Capital (Details) [Line Items]
Number of options exercised				39,488
Director Voting Preferred Shares [Member]
Share Capital (Details) [Line Items]
Number of shares authorised (in Shares)	1,000				1,000
Dividends entitled per share if declared (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 10
Redemption price per share (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 10				$ 10
Senior Preferred Shares [Member]
Share Capital (Details) [Line Items]
Number of shares authorised (in Shares)	325,000				325,000

Share Capital (Details) - Sched

Share Capital (Details) - Schedule of number of shares and stated value of outstanding shares - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share Capital (Details) - Schedule of number of shares and stated value of outstanding shares [Line Items]
Stated value	$ 155,698	$ 154,895
Common Shares [Member]
Share Capital (Details) - Schedule of number of shares and stated value of outstanding shares [Line Items]
Number of shares (in Shares)	74,252,460	74,252,460
Stated value	$ 26,580	$ 26,580
Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Share Capital (Details) - Schedule of number of shares and stated value of outstanding shares [Line Items]
Number of shares (in Shares)	7,034,444	7,034,444
Stated value	$ 48,246	$ 48,246
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Share Capital (Details) - Schedule of number of shares and stated value of outstanding shares [Line Items]
Number of shares (in Shares)	38,508,117	38,477,137
Stated value	$ 80,862	$ 80,059
Director Voting Preferred Shares [Member]
Share Capital (Details) - Schedule of number of shares and stated value of outstanding shares [Line Items]
Number of shares (in Shares)	1,000	1,000
Stated value	$ 10	$ 10

Government Grant (Details)

Government Grant (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of government grants [text block] [Abstract]
Agreement for non-refundable, description	In May 2019, 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 Telesat Lightspeed Constellation.
Recorded relating to agreement		$ 12	$ 5

Capital Disclosures (Details)

Capital Disclosures (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure Of Capital Disclosures [Abstract]
Revolving facility percentage	35.00%

Capital Disclosures (Details) -

Capital Disclosures (Details) - Schedule of company's capital - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of company's capital [Abstract]
Shareholders’ equity (excluding reserves)	$ 1,422,212	$ 1,185,950
Debt financing (excluding deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment (December 31, 2019 - deferred financing costs and prepayment options))	$ 3,184,832	$ 3,713,192

Financial Instruments (Details)

Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)		Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)		Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 06, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)		Oct. 31, 2017CAD ($)
Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk (in Dollars)	$ 924,200		$ 1,149,200
Allowance for doubtful accounts (in Dollars)	7,257		1,779					$ 5,136
Borrowings before deferred financing costs (in Dollars)	3,184,832		3,713,192
Other comprehensive income (loss) impact of 5 percent increase (decrease) (in Dollars)	35,600		30,900
Fixed interest rates							35.00%
Cash and cash equivalents (in Dollars)	130,411	[1]	484,685	[1]	$ 130.4	$ 484.7		$ 425,559	[1]
Forward foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Net increase (loss) impact of 5 percent increase (decrease) (in Dollars)	158,500		172,900
Interest Rate Floor [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Net income (loss) impact of 0.25 percent change in interest rates (in Dollars)	$ 4,100		$ 2,000
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Discount rate cash flow projections	4.40%		5.20%		4.40%	5.20%
North American [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding trade receivables	50.00%		50.00%		50.00%	50.00%
International customers [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding trade receivables	50.00%		50.00%		50.00%	50.00%
Bottom Of Range [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Discount rate used to discount Canadian dollar cash flows	0.08%		1.45%		0.08%	1.45%
Top Of Range [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Discount rate used to discount Canadian dollar cash flows	0.54%		1.91%		0.54%	1.91%
Term Loan B - Canadian Facility [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Variable interest rate					$ 450					$ 1,800,000
Term Loan B - Canadian Facility [Member] | Bottom Of Range [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Fixed interest rates	1.95%				1.95%					1.72%
Term Loan B - Canadian Facility [Member] | Top Of Range [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Fixed interest rates	2.04%				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.

Financial Instruments (Detail_2

Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)
Carrying amount [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	$ 3,286,302
Contractual cash flows [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	4,112,729
Trade and other payables [Member] | Carrying amount [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	30,091
Trade and other payables [Member] | Contractual cash flows [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	30,091
Customer and other deposits [Member] | Carrying amount [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	1,614
Customer and other deposits [Member] | Contractual cash flows [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	1,614
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member] | Carrying amount [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	37,948
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member] | Contractual cash flows [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	47,296
Other financial liabilities [Member] | Carrying amount [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	2,116
Other financial liabilities [Member] | Contractual cash flows [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	2,116
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Carrying amount [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	18,029
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Contractual cash flows [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	18,330
Indebtedness [Member] | Carrying amount [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	3,196,504	[1]
Indebtedness [Member] | Contractual cash flows [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	4,013,282	[1]
2021 [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	185,054
2021 [Member] | Trade and other payables [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	30,091
2021 [Member] | Customer and other deposits [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	1,270
2021 [Member] | Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	9,316
2021 [Member] | Other financial liabilities [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	2,116
2021 [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	12,709
2021 [Member] | Indebtedness [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	129,552	[1]
2022 [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	143,357
2022 [Member] | Trade and other payables [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
2022 [Member] | Customer and other deposits [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	17
2022 [Member] | Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	8,360
2022 [Member] | Other financial liabilities [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
2022 [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	5,621
2022 [Member] | Indebtedness [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	129,359	[1]
2023 [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	136,959
2023 [Member] | Trade and other payables [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
2023 [Member] | Customer and other deposits [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	83
2023 [Member] | Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	7,518
2023 [Member] | Other financial liabilities [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
2023 [Member] | Indebtedness [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	129,358	[1]
2024 [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	135,388
2024 [Member] | Trade and other payables [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
2024 [Member] | Customer and other deposits [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	17
2024 [Member] | Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	5,918
2024 [Member] | Other financial liabilities [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
2024 [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
2024 [Member] | Indebtedness [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	129,453	[1]
2025 [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	131,620
2025 [Member] | Trade and other payables [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
2025 [Member] | Customer and other deposits [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	83
2025 [Member] | Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	3,133
2025 [Member] | Other financial liabilities [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
2025 [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
2025 [Member] | Indebtedness [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	128,404	[1]
Thereafter [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	3,380,351
Thereafter [Member] | Trade and other payables [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Thereafter [Member] | Customer and other deposits [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	144
Thereafter [Member] | Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	13,051
Thereafter [Member] | Other financial liabilities [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Thereafter [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Thereafter [Member] | Indebtedness [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of contractual maturities of financial liabilities [Line Items]
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities	$ 3,367,156	[1]
[1]	Indebtedness excludes deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment.

Financial Instruments (Detail_3

Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of interest payable and interest payments $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of interest payable and interest payments [Line Items]
Interest payable	$ 374
Interest payments	9,558
Indebtedness [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of interest payable and interest payments [Line Items]
Interest payable	11,672
Interest payments	$ 828,450

Financial Instruments (Detail_4

Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 818,378	$ 1,027,222	$ 768,433	$ 479,045
Trade and other receivables		51,928	64,062
Other current financial assets		448	210
Other long-term financial assets		9,922	8,264
Trade and other payables		(30,091)	(26,247)
Other current financial liabilities		35,880	38,281
Other long-term financial liabilities		35,499	42,511
Indebtedness		3,184,832	3,713,192
Total		(2,362,123)	(2,671,007)
Amortized cost [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Trade and other receivables		51,928	64,062
Trade and other payables		(30,091)	(26,247)
Total		(2,374,360)	(2,695,912)
Fair value [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Trade and other receivables		51,928	64,062
Trade and other payables		(30,091)	(26,247)
Total		(2,394,733)	(2,720,920)
FVTPL [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Total		12,237	24,905
Level 1 [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		818,378	1,027,222
Other current financial assets		448	210
Level 1 [Member] | Amortized cost [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		818,378	1,027,222
Other current financial assets		448	210
Level 1 [Member] | Fair value [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		818,378	1,027,222
Other current financial assets		448	210
Level 1, Level 2 [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Other long-term financial assets	[1]	53,425	57,730
Level 1, Level 2 [Member] | Amortized cost [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Other long-term financial assets	[1]	23,159	24,909
Level 1, Level 2 [Member] | Fair value [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Other long-term financial assets	[1]	53,425	57,730
Level 1, Level 2 [Member] | FVTPL [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Other long-term financial assets	[1]	30,266	32,821
Level 2 [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Other current financial liabilities		(35,880)	(38,281)
Other long-term financial liabilities		(35,499)	(42,511)
Indebtedness	[2]	(3,184,832)	(3,713,192)
Level 2 [Member] | Amortized cost [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Other current financial liabilities		(23,299)	(35,075)
Other long-term financial liabilities		(30,051)	(37,801)
Indebtedness	[2]	(3,184,832)	(3,713,192)
Level 2 [Member] | Fair value [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Other current financial liabilities		(37,921)	(40,748)
Other long-term financial liabilities		(36,357)	(42,493)
Indebtedness	[2]	(3,214,543)	(3,760,656)
Level 2 [Member] | FVTPL [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of financial assets and financial liabilities and fair values hierarchy [Line Items]
Other current financial liabilities		(12,581)	(3,206)
Other long-term financial liabilities		(5,448)	(4,710)
Indebtedness	[2]
[1]	Other 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, prepayment options and loss on repayment (December 31, 2019 – deferred financing costs and prepayment option).

Financial Instruments (Detail_5

Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of rates used to calculate fair value of indebtedness - Recurring fair value measurement [member]	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Senior Notes [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of rates used to calculate fair value of indebtedness [Line Items]
Term Loan	104.76%	104.25%
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of rates used to calculate fair value of indebtedness [Line Items]
Term Loan	103.64%	102.10%
Term Loan B – U.S. Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of rates used to calculate fair value of indebtedness [Line Items]
Term Loan	98.88%	100.25%

Financial Instruments (Detail_6

Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of current and long-term portions of fair value of derivative assets and liabilities - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of current and long-term portions of fair value of derivative assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	$ 30,266	$ 32,821
Other long-term financial assets	(12,581)	(3,206)
Other current financial liabilities	(5,448)	(4,710)
Other long-term financial liabilities	12,237	24,905
Level 2 [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of current and long-term portions of fair value of derivative assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Other current financial assets
Other long-term financial assets	(12,581)	(3,206)
Other current financial liabilities	(5,448)	(4,710)
Other long-term financial liabilities	(18,029)	(7,916)
Level 2 [Member] | Prepayment option [Member]
Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of current and long-term portions of fair value of derivative assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Other current financial assets	30,266	32,821
Other current financial liabilities
Other long-term financial liabilities	$ 30,266	$ 32,821

Financial Instruments (Detail_7

Financial Instruments (Details) - Schedule of reconciliation of fair value of derivative assets and liabilities - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of reconciliation of fair value of derivative assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value, Beginning	$ 24,905	$ 46,795
Derivatives recognized at inception
Prepayment option – Senior Notes		17,829
Prepayment option – Senior Secured Notes		10,562
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
Interest rate floor		5,368
Prepayment options	(2,308)	(12,391)
Interest rate swaps	(10,807)	(42,649)
Impact of foreign exchange	447	(609)
Fair value, Ending	$ 12,237	$ 24,905

Share-Based Compensation Plan_2

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details)	Jan. 02, 2018shares	Nov. 01, 2017shares	Dec. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018shares	Dec. 31, 2017shares	Dec. 31, 2015shares	Dec. 31, 2013shares	Dec. 31, 2008shares
Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Number of share options granted in share-based payment arrangement			17,505,045
Number of vested stock options repurchased for cash consideration	780,000	2,500,000
Number of options authorized			451,266	500,000	3,280,000	350,000	62,404	4,036,729	8,824,646
Annual increments			20.00%
Expiration period for stock options			10 years
Shares granted per share (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 12.29	$ 12.84
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Number of options authorized					200,000

Share-Based Compensation Plan_3

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Schedule of convertible into common shares authorized year - shares	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2008
Schedule of convertible into common shares authorized year [Abstract]
Number of options authorized	451,266	500,000	3,280,000	350,000	62,404	4,036,729	8,824,646

Share-Based Compensation Plan_4

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Schedule of movement in number of stock options outstanding and weighted average exercise price	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019$ / shares
Time vesting option plans Number of options [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Schedule of movement in number of stock options outstanding and weighted average exercise price [Line Items]
Number of options Outstanding at beginning	7,544,617	7,102,864
Weighted average exercise price Outstanding at beginning (in Dollars per share)	$ 25.63	$ 25.56
Number of options Granted	650,000	522,372
Number of options Forfeited	(246,049)	(62,499)
Number of options Exercised (Note 24)		(18,120)
Number of options Expired
Number of options Outstanding at ending	7,948,568	7,544,617
Weighted average exercise price Outstanding at ending (in Dollars per share)	$ 25.83	$ 25.63
Performance vesting option plans Number of options [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Schedule of movement in number of stock options outstanding and weighted average exercise price [Line Items]
Number of options Outstanding at beginning	409,953	432,102
Weighted average exercise price Outstanding at beginning (in Dollars per share)	$ 11.07	$ 11.07
Number of options Granted
Number of options Forfeited	(3,691)
Number of options Exercised (Note 24)		(22,149)
Number of options Expired
Number of options Outstanding at ending	406,262	409,953
Weighted average exercise price Outstanding at ending (in Dollars per share)	$ 11.07	$ 11.07

Share-Based Compensation Plan_5

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Schedule of movement in the number of restricted share units outstanding - Restricted Stock [Member] - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Schedule of movement in the number of restricted share units outstanding [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning		200,000
Settled	(66,667)	(66,667)
Outstanding at ending	66,666
Outstanding at ending		133,333

Share-Based Compensation Plan_6

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Schedule of quantity of stock options exercisable and weighted average remaining life	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Schedule of quantity of stock options exercisable and weighted average remaining life [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining life	6 years	7 years
Time vesting option plans [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Schedule of quantity of stock options exercisable and weighted average remaining life [Line Items]
Quantity of stock options exercisable	5,779,565	4,762,335
Performance vesting option plans [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Schedule of quantity of stock options exercisable and weighted average remaining life [Line Items]
Quantity of stock options exercisable	406,266	409,953

Share-Based Compensation Plan_7

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Schedule of share-based compensation expense - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of share-based compensation expense [Abstract]
Operating expenses	$ 12,500	$ 16,035	$ 29,505

Share-Based Compensation Plan_8

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to determine share-based compensation expense using Black-Scholes option pricing model	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to determine share-based compensation expense using Black-Scholes option pricing model [Abstract]
Dividend yield
Expected volatility	32.70%	32.40%	31.70%
Risk-free interest rate	2.79%	2.93%	2.94%
Expected life (years)	10 years	10 years	10 years

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Contributions to defined benefit plans	$ 1.9	$ 1.2
Description of medical trend rate	For certain Canadian post-retirement plans the above trend rates are applicable for 2020 to 2029 which will decrease 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	$ 4.1
Expected defined contributions for next fiscal year	$ 0.6
Pension plans [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [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]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation	15 years
Weighted average duration of current service cost	28 years

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_2

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of expenses included on consolidated statements of income (loss) and consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension plans [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of expenses included on consolidated statements of income (loss) and consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Operating expenses	$ 7,188	$ 6,198	$ 6,345
Interest expense	423	524	658
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)
Actuarial losses (gains) on employee benefit plans	11,390	(3,325)	(4,555)
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of expenses included on consolidated statements of income (loss) and consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Operating expenses	145	116	276
Interest expense	746	815	830
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)
Actuarial losses (gains) on employee benefit plans	$ 2,303	$ 2,191	$ (3,200)

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_3

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of pension and other post-employment benefits obligations, included in other long-term liabilities - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of pension and other post-employment benefits obligations, included in other long-term liabilities [Line Items]
Accrued benefit liabilities	$ 47,984	$ 32,074
Pension plans [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of pension and other post-employment benefits obligations, included in other long-term liabilities [Line Items]
Accrued benefit liabilities	22,070	8,566
Other post-employment benefit plans [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of pension and other post-employment benefits obligations, included in other long-term liabilities [Line Items]
Accrued benefit liabilities	$ 25,914	$ 23,508

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_4

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance [Line Items]
Accrued benefit liabilities	$ 22,070	$ 8,566
Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance [Line Items]
Accrued benefit liabilities	25,914	23,508
Present value of funded obligations [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance [Line Items]
Present value of funded obligations	375,222	331,737
Accrued benefit liabilities	22,070	8,566
Present value of funded obligations [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance [Line Items]
Present value of funded obligations
Accrued benefit liabilities	25,914	23,508
Fair value of plan assets [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	(354,385)	(324,257)
Fair value of plan assets [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Surplus deficit in plan [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance [Line Items]
Surplus deficit in plan	20,837	7,480
Surplus deficit in plan [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance [Line Items]
Surplus deficit in plan
Present value of unfunded obligations [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance [Line Items]
Present value of unfunded obligations	1,233	1,086
Present value of unfunded obligations [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of funded statuses of the benefit plans and accrued benefit liabilities balance [Line Items]
Present value of unfunded obligations	$ 25,914	$ 23,508

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_5

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of changes in benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Pension [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets
Accrued benefit liabilities, at end of year	$ 22,070	$ 8,566
Other [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets
Accrued benefit liabilities, at end of year	25,914	23,508
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member]
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligation, at beginning of year	356,331	315,299
Current service cost	6,840	5,817
Interest expense	11,469	12,056
Remeasurements
Actuarial losses arising from plan experience	2,396	2,008
Actuarial losses from change in demographic assumptions	11	16
Actuarial losses from changes in financial assumptions	35,386	30,471
Benefits paid	(11,020)	(10,241)
Contributions by plan participants	1,018	1,091
Foreign exchange	(62)	(186)
Benefit obligation, at end of year	402,369	356,331
Change in fair value of plan assets
Accrued benefit liabilities, at end of year	47,984	32,074
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member] | Pension [Member]
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligation, at beginning of year	332,823	293,969
Current service cost	6,695	5,701
Interest expense	10,723	11,241
Remeasurements
Actuarial losses arising from plan experience	2,212	1,773
Actuarial losses from change in demographic assumptions
Actuarial losses from changes in financial assumptions	33,278	28,531
Benefits paid	(10,294)	(9,483)
Contributions by plan participants	1,018	1,091
Foreign exchange
Benefit obligation, at end of year	376,455	332,823
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, at beginning of year	(324,257)	(283,064)
Contributions by plan participants	(1,018)	(1,091)
Contributions by employer	(5,497)	(5,736)
Interest income	(10,300)	(10,717)
Benefits paid	10,294	9,483
Administrative costs	493	497
Fair value of plan assets, at end of year	(354,385)	(324,257)
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income	(24,100)	(33,629)
Accrued benefit liabilities, at end of year	22,070	8,566
Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member] | Other [Member]
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligation, at beginning of year	23,508	21,330
Current service cost	145	116
Interest expense	746	815
Remeasurements
Actuarial losses arising from plan experience	184	235
Actuarial losses from change in demographic assumptions	11	16
Actuarial losses from changes in financial assumptions	2,108	1,940
Benefits paid	(726)	(758)
Contributions by plan participants
Foreign exchange	(62)	(186)
Benefit obligation, at end of year	25,914	23,508
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, at beginning of year
Contributions by plan participants
Contributions by employer	(726)	(758)
Interest income
Benefits paid	726	758
Administrative costs
Fair value of plan assets, at end of year
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income
Accrued benefit liabilities, at end of year	25,914	23,508
Plan assets [member] | Present value of defined benefit obligation [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, at beginning of year	(324,257)	(283,064)
Contributions by plan participants	(1,018)	(1,091)
Contributions by employer	(6,223)	(6,494)
Interest income	(10,300)	(10,717)
Benefits paid	11,020	10,241
Administrative costs	493	497
Fair value of plan assets, at end of year	(354,385)	(324,257)
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income	$ (24,100)	$ (33,629)

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_6

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)
2021 [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments	$ 11,519
2021 [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments	901
2022 [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments	12,096
2022 [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments	936
2023 [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments	12,790
2023 [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments	972
2024 [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments	13,558
2024 [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments	1,008
2025 [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments	14,433
2025 [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments	1,044
2026 to 2030 [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments	80,999
2026 to 2030 [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments	$ 6,620

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_7

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of significant assumptions adopted in measuring pension and other benefit obligations	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity Securities [Member] | Canada [Member]
Equity securities
Fair value plan assets	22.90%	22.30%
Equity Securities [Member] | United States [Member]
Equity securities
Fair value plan assets	19.70%	19.80%
Equity Securities [Member] | International [Member]
Equity securities
Fair value plan assets	14.30%	14.10%
Fixed income instruments [Member] | Canada [Member]
Equity securities
Fair value plan assets	41.00%	41.20%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Canada [Member]
Equity securities
Fair value plan assets	2.10%	2.60%

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_8

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of impact on defined benefit obligation from one percent increase or decrease change in assumptions used	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Pension [Member]
Actuarial benefit obligation
Discount rate	2.60%	3.20%
Benefit costs for the year ended
Discount rate	3.20%	3.90%
Future salary growth	2.50%	2.50%
Health care cost trend rate
Other medical trend rates
Other [Member]
Benefit costs for the year ended
Future salary growth
Other [Member] | Bottom of range [member]
Actuarial benefit obligation
Discount rate	2.00%	2.95%
Benefit costs for the year ended
Discount rate	2.95%	3.90%
Health care cost trend rate	3.49%	3.49%
Other medical trend rates	4.00%	4.00%
Other [Member] | Top of range [member]
Actuarial benefit obligation
Discount rate	2.60%	3.20%
Benefit costs for the year ended
Discount rate	3.20%	4.00%
Health care cost trend rate	5.49%	5.49%
Other medical trend rates	4.56%	4.56%

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai_9

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of impact on defined benefit obligation from one percent increase or decrease change in assumptions - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Discount rate [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of impact on defined benefit obligation from one percent increase or decrease change in assumptions [Line Items]
1% increase	$ (53,058)	$ (45,385)
1% decrease	67,549	57,745
Discount rate [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of impact on defined benefit obligation from one percent increase or decrease change in assumptions [Line Items]
1% increase	(3,486)	(2,751)
1% decrease	4,351	3,576
Future salary growth [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of impact on defined benefit obligation from one percent increase or decrease change in assumptions [Line Items]
1% increase	10,423	9,856
1% decrease	(9,165)	(8,874)
Future salary growth [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of impact on defined benefit obligation from one percent increase or decrease change in assumptions [Line Items]
1% increase
1% decrease
Medical and dental trend rates [Member] | Pension [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of impact on defined benefit obligation from one percent increase or decrease change in assumptions [Line Items]
1% increase
1% decrease
Medical and dental trend rates [Member] | Other [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of impact on defined benefit obligation from one percent increase or decrease change in assumptions [Line Items]
1% increase	2,222	2,018
1% decrease	$ (1,839)	$ (1,531)

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - Schedule of cash and cash equivalents $ in Thousands, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)		Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)		Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)		Dec. 31, 2017CAD ($)
Schedule of cash and cash equivalents [Abstract]
Cash	$ 687,967			$ 542,537			$ 342,874
Short-term investments	130,411	[1]	$ 130.4	484,685	[1]	$ 484.7	425,559	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 818,378			$ 1,027,222			$ 768,433		$ 479,045
[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) - Schedule of income taxes paid, net of income taxes received - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of income taxes paid, net of income taxes received [Abstract]
Income taxes paid	$ (53,842)	$ (101,952)	$ (109,193)
Income taxes received	399	6,497	2,885
Income taxes paid, net of income taxes received	$ (53,443)	$ (95,455)	$ (106,308)

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_5

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - Schedule of interest paid, net of capitalized interest and interest received - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of interest paid, net of capitalized interest and interest received [Abstract]
Interest paid	$ (188,969)	$ (195,671)	$ (207,339)
Interest received	8,997	19,559	11,802
Capitalized interest			19,120
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest and interest received	$ (179,972)	$ (176,112)	$ (176,417)

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_6

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - Schedule of reconciliation of the liabilities arising from financing activities - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Indebtedness [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - Schedule of reconciliation of the liabilities arising from financing activities [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 3,712,799	$ 3,724,228	$ 3,543,377
Debt repricing costs			(10,190)
Cash outflows	(453,592)	(3,743,465)	(94,951)
Cash inflows		3,786,082
Write-off of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment (Note 23)		107,065
Loss on repayment (Note 23)	2,284
Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment options and net gain on repricing/repayment	428	22,461	22,497
Loss on voluntary payment (Note 23)			2,828
Gain on repricing (Note 24)			(6,901)
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			(36,072)
Non-cash additions
Interest paid
Interest accrued
Other
Impact of foreign exchange	(74,767)	(183,308)	303,640
Ending balance	3,187,152	3,712,799	3,724,228
Satellite performance incentive payments [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - Schedule of reconciliation of the liabilities arising from financing activities [Line Items]
Beginning balance	46,951	58,913	62,961
Debt repricing costs
Cash outflows	(9,031)	(9,644)	(9,037)
Cash inflows
Write-off of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment (Note 23)
Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment options and net gain on repricing/repayment
Loss on voluntary payment (Note 23)
Gain on repricing (Note 24)
Debt issue costs
Prepayment option at inception – Senior Notes
Prepayment option at inception – Senior Secured Notes
Cumulative effect adjustment
Non-cash additions
Interest paid
Interest accrued
Other	182	296	191
Impact of foreign exchange	(528)	(2,614)	4,798
Ending balance	37,574	46,951	58,913
Lease liabilities [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - Schedule of reconciliation of the liabilities arising from financing activities [Line Items]
Beginning balance	28,582	369	369
Debt repricing costs
Cash outflows	(1,793)	(1,252)	(29)
Cash inflows
Write-off of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment (Note 23)
Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment options and net gain on repricing/repayment
Loss on voluntary payment (Note 23)
Gain on repricing (Note 24)
Debt issue costs
Prepayment option at inception – Senior Notes
Prepayment option at inception – Senior Secured Notes
Cumulative effect adjustment		26,851
Non-cash additions	2,788	2,775
Interest paid	(1,649)	(984)
Interest accrued	1,349	1,288
Other	(91)	(236)
Impact of foreign exchange	(135)	(229)	29
Ending balance	$ 29,051	$ 28,582	$ 369

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_7

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - Schedule of net change in operating assets and liabilities - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of net change in operating assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Trade and other receivables	$ (4,173)	$ (16,113)	$ 22,056
Financial assets	161	(3,897)	(210)
Other assets	(7,286)	(13,183)	371
Trade and other payables	1,860	1,685	(4,695)
Financial liabilities	(651)	(2,125)	(1,026)
Other liabilities	25,107	19,691	72,317
Operating assets and liabilities	$ 15,018	$ (13,942)	$ 88,813

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_8

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - Schedule of non-cash investing activities - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of non-cash investing activities [Abstract]
Satellites, property and other equipment	$ 2,963	$ 29,234	$ 3,795
Intangible assets		$ (3,263)	$ 3,635

Commitments and Contingent Li_3

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) [Line Items]
Customer prepayments	$ 414.1	$ 440.3
Interest and penalties	22
Interest	$ 4
Outstanding percentage	50.00%
Canada Revenue Agency [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) [Line Items]
Interest and penalties	$ 77
Canadian Tax Authorities [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) [Line Items]
Interest and penalties	$ 9

Commitments and Contingent Li_4

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	$ 235,311
Property leases [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	17,760
Capital commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	153,897
Other operating commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	63,654
2021 [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	65,877
2021 [Member] | Property leases [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	1,141
2021 [Member] | Capital commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	32,055
2021 [Member] | Other operating commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	32,681
2022 [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	42,619
2022 [Member] | Property leases [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	1,079
2022 [Member] | Capital commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	35,057
2022 [Member] | Other operating commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	6,483
2023 [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	92,850
2023 [Member] | Property leases [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	1,065
2023 [Member] | Capital commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	86,785
2023 [Member] | Other operating commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	5,000
2024 [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	5,295
2024 [Member] | Property leases [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	1,051
2024 [Member] | Capital commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations
2024 [Member] | Other operating commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	4,244
2025 [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	4,777
2025 [Member] | Property leases [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	969
2025 [Member] | Capital commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations
2025 [Member] | Other operating commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	3,808
Thereafter [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	23,893
Thereafter [Member] | Property leases [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	12,455
Thereafter [Member] | Capital commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations
Thereafter [Member] | Other operating commitments [Member]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of off-balance sheet contractual obligations [Line Items]
Contractual obligations	$ 11,438

Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedu

Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Infosat Communications LP [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	Canada
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Telesat Spectrum General Partnership [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	Canada
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Telesat LEO Holdings Inc. [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	Canada
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Telesat Technology Corporation [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	Canada
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Telesat Spectrum Corporation [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	Canada
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Telesat Spectrum Holdings Corporation [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	Canada
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Skynet Satellite Corporation [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	United States
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Telesat Network Services, Inc. [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	United States
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
The SpaceConnection Inc. [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	United States
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Telesat Satellite LP [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	United States
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Telesat LEO Inc. [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	United States
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Telesat US Services, LLC [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	United States
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Infosat Able Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	United States
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Telesat Brasil Capacidade de Satélites Ltda. [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	Brazil
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Telesat (IOM) Limited [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	Isle of Man
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%
Telesat International Limited [Member]
Subsidiaries (Details) - Schedule of companies included in scope of consolidation [Line Items]
Country	United Kingdom
Method of consolidation	Fully consolidated
Percentage of voting rights	100.00%

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Shares restricted units			650,000
Contributions made to defined benefit pension plans (in Dollars) | $			$ 5.5	$ 5.7
Key Management Personnel of Entity or Parent [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Share appreciation exercised	40,269
Description of vesting period				Telesat issued 500,000 time-vesting options to certain key management personnel, which vest over a five-year period.
Key Management Personnel of Entity or Parent [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Share appreciation exercised		95,363
Description of vesting 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 RSUs were granted during 2018 which vest over a three-year period and are expected to be settled with Non-Voting Participating Preferred shares.
Shares restricted units			66,667	66,667
Key Management Personnel of Entity or Parent [Member] | Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Share appreciation exercised		39,488
Key Management Personnel of Entity or Parent [Member] | Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Share appreciation exercised	14,846
Shares restricted units			30,980	30,980

Related Party Transactions (D_2

Related Party Transactions (Details) - Schedule of compensation of executives and board level directors - CAD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of compensation of executives and board level directors [Abstract]
Short-term benefits (including salaries)		$ 13,058	$ 11,051	$ 16,853
Special payments	[1]	710	948	2,904
Post-employment benefits		2,180	2,773	2,510
Share-based payments		12,373	15,649	29,016
Compensation of executives and Board level directors		$ 28,321	$ 30,421	$ 51,283
[1]	Balance relates to the special cash distribution effective January 25, 2017.

Related Party Transactions (D_3

Related Party Transactions (Details) - Schedule of related parties transaction - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Sale of goods and services, interest income [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Details) - Schedule of related parties transaction [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 133	$ 133	$ 128
Operating expenses
Purchase of goods and services, interest expense [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Details) - Schedule of related parties transaction [Line Items]
Operating expenses	$ 6,712	$ 6,645	$ 6,456

Related Party Transactions (D_4

Related Party Transactions (Details) - Schedule of related parties transaction outstanding - CAD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Amounts owed by related parties [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Details) - Schedule of related parties transaction outstanding [Line Items]
Current receivables/payables
Amounts owed to related parties [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Details) - Schedule of related parties transaction outstanding [Line Items]
Current receivables/payables	$ 105	$ 204