Rideau Institute Releases Ground-Breaking Report on Canadian Space Policy

In a report released today on the state of Canada’s space sector, the Rideau Institute found that analysts, industry leaders and experts are cautiously optimistic about the state of the space sector in Canada, but are watching the deteriorating state of the economy warily.

“This report comes at an opportune time,” said Kevin Shortt, President of the Canadian Space Society. “There is an increased awareness within government of the many accomplishments and benefits the Canadian space sector brings to the public.” The industry now awaits the release of the federal space strategy by the Canadian Space Agency.

“Recent events in the Canadian space sector have raised the sector’s profile, so much so that it was highlighted in the 2009 federal budget,” says David Macdonald, economist with the Rideau Institute and author of the report. “However, the federal government’s spending has not reversed Canada’s decline in relative space spending compared to other G8 countries. More forward-looking policy changes will be necessary to get Canada back in the game.”

Looking Up: A Report on the State of Canada’s Space Sector also includes these findings:

• The $110 million increase in funding for the CSA in Budget 2009 is positive, but the new spending does not alter long-term funding concerns.
• The space sector may be affected by the economic downturn, although prospects for 2009 are generally favourable.
• Anticipation is high for the forthcoming Canadian Space Agency (CSA) strategic plan.
• Industry tends to support a continued “niche” approach to space technology, while others favour more high-profile projects.
• Some stakeholders still see the need for an overarching space policy, although it may be out of reach for the moment.

The report was published by the Rideau Institute and Secure World Foundation

It may be downloaded at www.rideauinstitute.ca.

For more information about the Canadian Space Society, please visit www.css.ca