Ministers Bains and Garneau celebrate $80.9 million for the Canadian Space Agency
Funding will support new projects that will use Canadian innovations in space
SAINT-HUBERT, QC, April 27, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's space sector develops new technologies that have the potential to advance scientific discovery and improve the lives of Canadians.
This is why Budget 2017 proposes to provide $80.9 million over five years, starting in 2017-18, to the Canadian Space Agency. These investments will be used to develop emerging technologies, will create more well-paying jobs, will support scientific breakthroughs and will make Canada a world-leading centre for innovation.
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, was joined by the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport and the first Canadian in space, to celebrate the proposed funding at the Canadian Space Agency's headquarters outside Montréal.
The funding will support new projects that will demonstrate and utilize Canadian innovations in space:
- A radar instrument that will be developed for a future orbiter mission to Mars. This instrument would be used to study the surface and subsurface of the red planet. It could contribute to developing a high-resolution map of the surface of Mars and could help identify water resources at shallow depths, which would provide critical geological information for the landing site of future spacecraft to Mars.
- A demonstration of the applications of quantum technology in space involving the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo. This project will position Canada as a leader in quantum encryption, which uses highly advanced computing technology to create virtually unbreakable security codes. This technology could lead to more secure communications, safer and more reliable government services, and greater protection of Canadians' privacy.
In addition to the increased funding it announced in the budget, the Government of Canada recently announced the renewal of the Space Advisory Board. The board will engage with Canadians to develop a new vision for Canada's space sector and define key elements of a strategy that will be launched this summer. The advisory board's input will inform the strategy, which will focus on using space to drive broader economic growth and innovation, while inspiring the next generation of space scientists.
Quotes
"The space program advances next-generation technologies that create new opportunities for the sector and well-paying jobs for the middle class. The proposed funding in Budget 2017 will support research and development in emerging fields such as quantum technology and advanced radar technology for Earth observation. The technologies that are designed for space today can one day be applied to the everyday lives of Canadians. That means an investment in today's space sector is an investment in a higher standard of living tomorrow."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"As a former astronaut, I know the importance of innovation in the space sector. The funding proposed in Budget 2017 will help cement Canada's position as a trusted partner in the space community and will help the Canadian Space Agency look to the future of space exploration as a source for Canadian innovation and scientific excellence."
- The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport
Quick facts
- The Canadian space sector employs more than 10,000 people. In 2014, the sector generated $5.4 billion in revenue.
- In 2014, the sector contributed more than $146 million to research and development projects that resulted in promising new technologies.
Associated link
Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
For further information: Karl W. Sasseville, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2500; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
Share this article