Evidence of meeting #37 for Science and Research in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was workers.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
Experience and qualification and technical competence should be the primary consideration when you hire and promote. Is that correct?
President, Canadian Space Agency
They are definitely foremost, but there are many other factors that play into it.
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
Canadians expect the CSA to bolster Canada's space capacity. They don't expect the agency responsible for Canada's role in space exploration to be distracted by ideological hiring frameworks or bureaucratic identity targets.
To clarify, there should be no political, ideological or demographic quota that overrides technical merit in these safety-sensitive roles in the CSA. Is that right?
President, Canadian Space Agency
We're fortunate to have far more applicants for positions than we can hire. They're all super qualified. Then once we recruit them, we train them intensively. We succession plan, because most of the roles of the agency are mission-critical. We're very fortunate to have very qualified people in the CSA team.
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
Your agency published the 2025-28 “Employment Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan”. That document says that the CSA will focus on “identifying and dismantling systemic barriers” and supporting career progression towards executive positions exclusively for designated groups.
Can you point out to this committee the section that says mission safety and technical competence come before identity representation targets?
President, Canadian Space Agency
The Canadian Space Agency is glad to have a diverse team because we need a diversity of ideas to face the challenges and opportunities ahead, and—
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
You're not really answering the question.
I'll ask another question to continue on.
Is there any circumstance in which a candidate's identity markers would be used as deciding factors over a more technically qualified candidate, when it comes to the selection of astronauts or any technical or safety staff?
President, Canadian Space Agency
Research has shown that having diverse teams leads to better outcomes, so that's what we strive for in all aspects of our work.
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
Is that a yes—a candidate's identity markers could be an overriding factor—or a no?
President, Canadian Space Agency
I'm not sure it's that absolute. We take into account a mix of factors when looking at the composition of teams. Obviously, their technical competence, teamwork and collaborative capabilities all matter.
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
Identity markers like a person's sexual orientation, gender or race are going to be factors, because you talked about diversity. Is that right?
President, Canadian Space Agency
We try to make sure we have teams that represent humanity in all of its forms.
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
It just looks like the CSA is publishing plans that read less like space safety and exploration, and more like an ideological document.
Here is my next question: How many taxpayer dollars does the CSA spend on DEI-related grants, programs, staff, consultants, training, committees and internal initiatives each fiscal year?
President, Canadian Space Agency
If you look at our last departmental plan, the total spend was $634 million, 86% of which was for the core responsibilities of Canada in space. The remainder was for internal services, which include cybersecurity, human resources and installations. The core responsibilities are going to increase next year, because much of the internal services are in support of space.
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
You don't have the numbers, so could you table for the committee the information on money spent on DEI training, DEI workshops and DEI grants within the CSA?
President, Canadian Space Agency
Just give me one second. I might have it here.
Colleagues, do I have it here in the materials? I want to make sure I answer the question.
If I may, I'll answer that, at the moment, the space sector doesn't represent humanity. It's 29% female.
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
I'm going to continue.
I'm reading from the CSA DEI action plan. It says:
The CSA aligns with the Government of Canada's [gender-based analysis or] GBA Plus approach, requiring all activities (policies, grants, projects, etc.) to undergo a GBA Plus assessment to ensure equitable access to opportunities in the Canadian space sector.
Did you undertake a gender-based analysis when selecting Jeremy Hansen for Artemis II? Please answer yes or no.
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
You're required to undergo a GBA+ assessment.
Did you go through a GBA+ assessment with Jeremy Hansen when you hired him?
President, Canadian Space Agency
Do you mean in our astronaut selection processes?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
Your time is up. We can come back.
With that, we will go to MP Rana for five minutes.
Liberal
Aslam Rana Liberal Hamilton Centre, ON
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you to all witnesses for their valuable time.
Ms. Campbell, the Artemis II mission was a remarkable moment for Canada. Beyond the achievement itself, what did it mean for nation building and Canadian sovereignty in space?