Dear stakeholders,
As you know, the Federal Budget was released on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. Needless to say that the Space Advisory Board (SAB) Members were very disappointed with Budget 2018 as it did not include funding to address a space strategy.
In the context of the Board's report, Consultations on Canada's Future in Space: What We Heard, we pointed to the need for urgent action to reverse the decline in Canada's space capability. We were hoping the Government would signal specific measures to advance long-term plans and priorities for Canada in space. Despite the lack of signal, Space Advisory Board Members remain convinced that Canada needs a vision and investments in space to meet national needs and fulfill its aspirations.
As the Chair of the Space Advisory Board, I want you to know that we will continue to emphasize this important message as we remain engaged with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and his officials. We will also continue to work towards highlighting the importance of space, and the urgency to have a long-term strategy that will provide leadership, guidance and predictability for our space sector.
Budget 2018 does provide significant funding to support Canadian scientists and researchers. Furthermore, a number of important milestones for Canada in space are on the horizon. Canadian Astronaut, David Saint-Jacques, will fly to the International Space Station (ISS) in November 2018. He will be on the ISS for a six month stay to conduct a series of scientific experiments, robotics tasks and test new technologies. The launch of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) is another milestone, as well as the arrival of OSIRES-Rex at asteroid Bennu.
We intend to use these upcoming Canadian achievements in space as anchor events to continue building momentum, conducting outreach and helping support the Canadian space sector. The Board has been in place less than a year and we are still in the early stages of our journey to build broader support for Canada's space vision. Finally, we will remain engaged with the public on Canada's future in space and welcome input through contact with members of the Board or email to ic.sab-cce.ic@canada.ca
Best regards,
Lucy Stojak, Chair
Space Advisory Board