Consultations on Canada’s Future in Space

'The Space Advisory Board was tasked by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) to consult with stakeholders on a new space strategy and to report its findings. The Space Advisory Board held seven roundtable discussions across the country and two webinars focused on youth and the North, involving a broad cross-section of stakeholders in the Canadian Space Program. Participants noted that in the past Canada has had a very successful space program that met national needs and created an internationally competitive space industry and science capability. However, almost all stressed that Canada has lost ground in a world environment driven by rapidly changing technology and substantial increases in space investments by other nations. Participants supported the need for a space strategy, but stressed the urgent need for a reinvigorated and fully funded set of space activities and supporting policies to successfully implement the space strategy. Many felt that action is needed now before too much capacity is lost. During the consultations, stakeholders raised many significant issues facing Canadian space activities that require urgent Government action if space is to continue to contribute to the economic and social growth of the nation'--Cf. Executive summary, p. 1.