Minister Bains commits to revitalizing Space Advisory Board

November 16, 2016 – Ottawa – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Canadian aerospace and space sectors enjoy an international reputation for innovation and world-class products and services. But to maintain their reputation and remain globally competitive, Canadian aerospace and space firms must continue to adopt new technologies.

In a keynote address to the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced that the government would revitalize the Space Advisory Board. The board will gather advice that will allow the Government of Canada to drive broad economic growth while supporting the talent, research and entrepreneurship within the space industry. The Minister stated that board members would be selected based on the open, merit-based criteria set out by the government's new appointment process.

In his remarks, Minister Bains also recognized the research-intensive and export-oriented nature of the Canadian aerospace and space sectors, important contributors to the economy helped by strong partnerships with government and academia. The Minister outlined how the government's Innovation Agenda will drive future growth. He challenged the sectors to continue to make decisions today that best position them to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.

Quote
"Canada's aerospace and space industries are leaders in innovation. These industries will need to stay ahead of the curve and focus on continuous improvement to remain competitive. Taking risks and embracing new technologies are central to an innovation mindset. I am confident that Canada's aerospace and space sectors are ready to accept the challenge to invest in the people and technologies that will propel them to growth and will keep high-paying jobs in Canada."

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts
Aerospace manufacturing was the number one R&D investor among manufacturing industries—more than five times as R&D-intensive as the manufacturing sector average.
Aerospace is among Canada's leading exporters in terms of trade intensity (close to 80 percent of aerospace manufacturing was exported) and diversity (the industry's exports to non-U.S. destinations are twice those of the manufacturing average).
The aerospace industry contributed more than $28 billion to Canada's gross domestic product and 211,000 jobs to the Canadian economy in 2015.
Canada has made significant technological and scientific contributions to the International Space Station, namely the Mobile Servicing System—a sophisticated robotics suite that includes the Canadarm2 and assembled the Station in space.