Quebec Pushes Ahead With Starlink Deal–Despite U.S. Tariffs

The Quebec government is moving forward with a new contract to install SpaceX’s Starlink internet in remote courthouses, even as tensions rise over new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, reports the Montreal Gazette (via Tesla North).

The $826,000 contract was awarded to an Alberta-based company to install and provide monthly Starlink service in rural courthouses. The decision comes after U.S. President Donald Trump launched a tariff war in early February, later imposing levies on Canadian steel, aluminum, and energy exports in March. More tariffs are expected to go live on April 2.

Despite the political pressure, Quebec’s Justice Department says Starlink is the only system capable of meeting the needs of its Circuit Court. “There is currently no satisfactory alternative equivalent to Starlink technology that can meet the needs of the Circuit Court while also providing sufficient performance,” department spokesperson Cathy Chenard told the Gazette. She added the province is still exploring other options.

The contract was initially tendered in January and closed on February 3. The day after Trump’s tariffs were announced, Quebec paused the decision—but ultimately proceeded with the sole bidder, Starlink.

A Pattern of Dependence

Quebec has a history with Starlink. In 2022, it signed a $130-million agreement to bring high-speed internet to rural households. That deal wraps up in June. On February 7, Coalition Avenir Québec MNA Gilles Bélanger—who oversees Quebec’s internet projects—said the province is working with Ottawa to create a Canadian-built satellite alternative, a goal he called “connectivity sovereignty.”

But replacing Starlink won’t be easy. SpaceX’s satellite network is vertically integrated—handling everything from launch to software—which means faster deployment and better user experience. Bélanger admitted Starlink’s ease of use is hard to beat: “Plug and play. People can get online in minutes.”

Meanwhile, Canadian firm Telesat has received $2.5 billion in government loans to build its own low-Earth orbit constellation. Ironically, it’s relying on Musk’s SpaceX to launch its satellites. Telesat’s consumer service isn’t expected until 2027—and it will sell through telecom providers, not directly to customers like Starlink does.

Critics Urge Local Focus

Not everyone is convinced Starlink should remain the default. Julian Karaguesian, a McGill economics professor and former federal trade advisor, said Canada should look to European players like Eutelsat, which recently merged with OneWeb and now operates more than 600 low-Earth satellites. He also said governments should prioritize local procurement instead of retaliation.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently cancelled a $100-million contract with Starlink to serve rural communities in protest of Trump’s tariffs. He’s also said Ontario will bar U.S. companies from bidding on provincial contracts.

For now, Quebec’s message is clear: Starlink is still the only practical choice—but the search for a homegrown solution is underway. That local search may take a while as Starlink’s vertical integration is its clear advantage, able to launch its own satellites every single week, while managing its own hardware and software.