Montréal, Quebec, December 2, 2013—The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, today announced Canada's response to the space-related recommendations made following the Review of Aerospace and Space Programs and Policies led by the Honourable David Emerson. Minister Moore made the announcement to leaders of Canada's space industry during the Aerospace Innovation Forum in Montréal.
"Canada's aerospace and space sectors contribute more than 170,000 well-paid jobs and over $27 billion to our economy every year," said Minister Moore. "The new measures announced today are the result of our close work with the industry to ensure that our Canadian companies can continue to compete internationally and be global leaders."
Specifically, the Government of Canada will be taking action to respond to the Emerson report by:
- doubling current support for the Space Technologies Development Program;
- establishing a space advisory board composed of industry leaders and chaired by General (Retired) Walter Natynczyk, President of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA);
- ensuring new space procurements are consistent with government priorities, in keeping with Tom Jenkins' 2012 report on leveraging military procurement;
- continuing to address the industry's market access and skills development challenges; and
- examining opportunities for the private sector to support the CSA's activities.
Minister Moore also announced that a Space Policy Framework for Canada, which will guide Canada's strategic activities and future in space exploration, will be made public in 2014.
"Minister Moore's speech today marks an excellent beginning to the implementation of the Emerson report on space. These measures will provide real support to Canadian space companies so that our country can continue to build on its heritage as a global space leader," said Jim Quick, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. "We thank the Minister and the government for their ongoing support and look forward to working with them on the remainder of the Emerson report recommendations, particularly the strategic space policy framework, in the coming months."
"We salute the government's vision in making space sector a priority," said Aéro Montréal President Suzanne Benoît. "The measures announced are a positive response to the recommendations issued in the Aerospace Review report. They are great news for Quebec, given the strategic presence of the CSA in Saint-Hubert since 1989, and will support innovation and the development of future space technologies."
"Our government is delivering on the priorities of Canada's space industry by ensuring our actions align with the industry's goals and vision," said Minister Moore. "Our government will continue to take action so a whole new generation of Canadians can appreciate our proud space history."
For more information on the Government of Canada's response to the Emerson report, see the attached backgrounder.
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For further information (media only), please contact:
Jake Enwright
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable James Moore
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
1-800-328-6189
media-relations@ic.gc.ca
