Press Releases

OTTAWA, CANADA, February 20, 2012 – Telesat announced today that SkyVision Global Networks Ltd. (SkyVision), a leading global provider of IP connectivity over satellite, has signed a multiyear contract for Ku-band capacity into Africa on Telesat’s Telstar 11N satellite.

SkyVision has established itself in Africa and other emerging markets as a leader in reliable and affordable Internet connectivity services, supported 24/7 through their Multilingual Technical Assistance Center. To meet the rapidly growing demand for satellite broadband in sub-Saharan Africa, SkyVision has chosen to combine Telstar 11N capacity with their iDirect hub, creating an advanced and highly scalable communications platform.

“The demand for satellite broadband in Africa and other remote regions of the world continues to grow and SkyVision is leading the way in this important market through their technical expertise and award winning customer service,” said Nigel Gibson, Vice President, International Sales for Telesat. “SkyVision’s decision to choose Telstar 11N for expanding their African broadband services is a strong endorsement of the satellite’s capabilities and adds momentum to the growing business relationship between our companies.”

“The high powered Ku-band coverage of Telstar 11N offers SkyVision many advantages in serving our growing base of broadband customers in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Doron Ben Sira, CEO of SkyVision. “We are very pleased to have completed this agreement with Telesat and look forward to further working with them in Africa and other emerging markets.”

About Telesat (www.telesat.com)

Telesat is a leading global fixed satellite services operator providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world, the company’s state-of-the-art fleet consists of 12 satellites plus the Canadian Ka-band payload on ViaSat-1 and two more satellites under construction. Telesat also manages the operations of additional satellites for third parties. Privately held, Telesat’s principal shareholders are Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board and Loral Space & Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: LORL).

About SkyVision

SkyVision is a leading global IP telecommunication service provider to emerging markets, offering solutions that combine satellite service platforms with high-capacity fiber optic connections. Via its gateways in Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East, the company provides IP connectivity with access to the global Internet backbone, as well as an extensive suite of both customized end-to-end solutions and industry-standard services. With a network spanning 100 countries, SkyVision’s solutions combine global reach with active local presence and support. SkyVision’s customers include incumbent telecoms, ISPs, cellular operators, global and local enterprises, government entities and NGOs.

(www.skyvision.net)

Forward-Looking Statements Safe Harbor

This news release contains statements that are not based on historical fact and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “will”, “believes”, “can be”, “indications are”, “undertaking to” or other variations of these words or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Detailed information about some of the known risks and uncertainties is included in the “Risk Factors” section of Telesat Canada’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 3, 2011, as well as Telesat Canada’s quarterly reports on Form 6-K and other filings with the SEC. These filings can be obtained on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Known risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: risks associated with operating satellites and providing satellite services, including satellite construction or launch delays, launch failures, in-orbit failures, impaired satellite performance or inability to restore capacity, volatility in exchange rates and risks associated with domestic and foreign government regulation. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. The information contained in this news release reflects Telesat’s beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, Telesat disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information herein.

For further information:

Gerry Nagler, Telesat +1 908 698-4907 (gnagler@telesat.com)