Canadian government officials upheld the decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to permit Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) and Sirius Canada to operate satellite radio subscription services and Chum-Astral to operate a terrestrial subscription radio service in the country.

Canada’s Minister responsible for Status of Women and Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Fulla and Minister of Industry David Emerson announced Sept. 9 that the government upheld the June awarding of the licenses, which had been protested by several Canadian companies and organizations.

“We are very pleased by the federal cabinet’s decision. We look forward to working with our Canadian partner, CSR,” XM Satellite Radio President and CEO Hugh Panero said in a statement.

“This is a great decision for Canadians and we look forward to launching this service as soon as possible later this year,” said Scott Greenstein, president of entertainment and sports for Sirius Satellite Radio, the U.S. partner of Sirius Canada.