Canada Unveils New Framework for Developing its Space Industry

Ottawa, Canada, Feb. 7, 2014--Canadian Industry Minister James Moore unveiled a new plan to develop the country's space industry, in a bid to safeguard Canada's "sovereignty, security and prosperity." Moore said Canada's Space Policy Framework will serve as a guideline for the country's strategic space activities, and ensure the commercial competitiveness of the Canadian space industry in the future.

The framework noted that "space has become a new frontier not only for science but for commerce," as global satellite industry revenues has exceeded  CDN$ 190 billion (approximately US$ 172 billion) annually.

Every G20 nation now has its own satellite system in space, and the emerging economies have made substantial investments in their national space programs," accoriding to the new framework , adding that this will bring greater competition for the Canadian space industry as it courts new markets and customers.

"Canada's space industry asked for a change, and we recognize the essential role that our space industry plays in keeping Canada's economy on the right track and in maintaining our position as a global leader in space," said Moore.

The plan identifies five key principles that will guide the Canadian space program’s priorities in the future:

1. Protecting Canadian sovereignty and security as part of the government’s “Canada First” policy;

2. Using space to strengthen the economy through a strong and competitive Canadian space industry;

3. Working with global partners to continue Canadian participation in major space projects such as the ISS;

4. Promoting Canadian innovation through our proven leadership in developing technologies such as robotics (Canadarm2) and optics (James Webb Telescope); and

5. Inspiring the next generation to continue building the Canadian legacy in space through involvement in the space program, industry and related fields.

“A long-term strategic plan for Canada’s space program is critical for our industry. In order to effectively invest in innovation, technology and product development, we rely heavily on knowing what the government’s priorities for the space program are,” said Jim Quick, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC). “We are very pleased that the government has released the Space Policy Framework, and we applaud Minister Moore and his colleagues for recognizing the importance of Canadian innovation and industry as we continue to build on our nation’s proud heritage in space,” he added.

Canada-based satellite operator Telesat welcomed the new framework.  “Telesat applauds the Government of Canada and Minister Moore for undertaking an inclusive, transparent and pragmatic review of Canada’s space policy,” said Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO.  “The new Space Policy Framework properly takes into account the world class capabilities of the Canadian space industry and the important role it plays in job creation, economic growth and the enhancement of Canada’s sovereignty and security. By relying on the private sector to the maximum extent possible to provide the space-related services and equipment that it needs, the Government will not only advance these important objectives, it will save money for Canadian taxpayers,” he added.

According to Canadian Space Agency, the country's space sector generated total revenues of CDN 3.327 billion (US$ 3 billion) in 2012, and have increased by CDN$ 533 million (US$ 483 million) over the last five years.