Rideau Institute releases report on the state of Canada's space sector

In a newly issued report on the state of Canada's space sector, 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.

"The increased focus of the federal government on space over the past year has led to some positive developments in the space sector," said Anthony Salloum, Program Director of the Rideau Institute and Canadian Consultant to Secure World Foundation.
"Attention is now focused on the anticipated release of the federal space strategy by the Canadian Space Agency," Salloum said.

"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," said David Macdonald, economist with the Rideau Institute and author of the report issued by the organization. "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," Macdonald added.

The Rideau Institute noted in their assessment – Looking Up: A Report on the State of Canada’s Space Sector – the following:
-- The $110 million increase in funding for the Canadian Space Agency 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 favorable.
-- Anticipation is high for the forthcoming Canadian Space Agency strategic plan.
-- Industry tends to support a continued "niche" approach to space technology, while others favor 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.

Unique opportunity
"Space can be used as a tool to create jobs, inspire future generations, and increase human and environmental security around the world. On this issue, Canada has a unique opportunity to continue to play a significant role as both a technological and political leader in the global community," said Dr. Ray Williamson, Executive Director of Secure World Foundation.

"Given the current economic climate facing Canada and the world, time is of the essence," added Salloum. "A strategic plan by the CSA coupled with a new overarching and forward-thinking space policy would be welcomed, given the dependence of our economy on space-based technology."