Hello, everyone. Thank you so much for inviting me here today.
Space systems and solutions are an essential part of Canada’s defence strategy, contributing directly or indirectly to virtually all defence operations. That is why the team at Space Canada, an organization that represents the Canadian space ecosystem, is so pleased to see this committee undertake this study of Canada’s space defence.
Mr. Chair and members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence, thank you for undertaking this study, and thank you for inviting Space Canada to be a part of this exercise.
Our organization represents over 80 Canadian space innovators that collectively play an essential role in protecting the environment, combatting climate change, bridging the digital divide, enabling humanity to explore beyond our planet, and safeguarding Canada’s security and sovereignty.
Indeed, space capabilities connect Canada’s personnel when operating at home and around the world. They provide intelligence and information vital to decision-making, and allow Canada to contribute to the collective defence of North America and internationally with our NATO and other allies.
The Canadian space sector contributes nearly $3 billion to the Canadian economy every year, sustaining thousands of jobs—largely in STEM—that pay, on average, 64% more than the Canadian average and 32% more than other jobs in the aerospace sector. Moreover, the space sector is very R and D intensive, with over $500 million of annual investment. This is 18 times higher than other manufacturing sectors.
The global space sector is projected to grow exponentially between now and 2040, and it is estimated to reach over $1 trillion per year.
Space capabilities will deliver operational benefits for Canada's defence, will allow Canada to contribute those capabilities to continental and collective security through existing NORAD and NATO commitments, and will strengthen Canada's space industrial base.
Developing solutions in Canada gives Canada priority access to innovation, sustains Canada's technological advantage, and has the potential to deliver dual-use spinoff technologies for commercial export growth and increases opportunities for partnership with our allies and partners.
It is for these reasons Canada should accelerate the delivery of identified space defence programs; engage directly with Canada's space innovators; expand defence research and development programs; and establish a National Space Council to coordinate space priorities across the Government of Canada.
Although Canada is a leader in space, the competition is getting tougher. Canada’s space industry risks being left behind in the face of the increasingly competitive global landscape at a time when space capabilities have never been more important or strategic.
Space Canada is, therefore, emphatically supportive of the Government of Canada’s recent commitment in the tabled budget to create a national space council. Inspired by the U.S. example, a national space council will deliver a whole-of-government approach to space. It should be an internal government body led by ministers who meet at least biannually—if not quarterly—to, among other things, undertake a review of space systems procurement, including a benchmarking study to compare how other nations employ rapid procurement practices and serve as key customers for innovative space technologies.
This government agency should also modernize the space regulatory framework that builds on the 2023 consultation by the Canadian Space Agency, leveraging Canada's space industrial base with its world-class capabilities, workforce, innovation and track record of delivery.
Finally, this government agency should guide the development and implementation of a whole-of-government national civil, defence and commercial space policy.
This would position Canada at the forefront of the New Space Economy, and deliver associated economic, social, environmental, defence and national security benefits.
I look forward to further discussing the pivotal role space plays in securing Canada's defence and security with you all today.
Once again, thank you for inviting me.