The creation of Telesat: Canadian communication policy, Bell Canada, and the role of myth (1960-1974)

This thesis is a discursive analysis and case study in Canadian communication mythology. The central argument is that the federal government and Bell Canada used myths connecting Canada's existence to its communication links to formulate and gain support for policies. This argument draws on the Canadian political economy of communication tradition that has argued that myths naturalize policies and legitimates the collaboration of the state with private enterprise. Following a discussion of the approach to myth, the thesis continues with a history of Bell Canada and the government's relationship based in primary sources. The main study, concerning Telesat's creation, examines myth in satellite policy during the 1960s and early 1970s. First, the documents calling for Telesat's creation reveal how mythology buttressed economic and scientific reports. Second, the legislative process demonstrates how myth sheltered the policy from political attack. Finally, the launch of Telesat's first satellite exposes how myth was a means to garner public support.