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Established in March 1989, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) was mandated by the Canadian Space Agency Act, passed in December 1990. The Agency has a status equivalent to that of a department of the federal government. Reporting to the Minister of Industry, the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency is the President (whose rank is equal to that of a Deputy Minister). Under the President, five core functions are carried out (Canadian Astronaut Office, Space Technologies, Space Science, Space Programs, and Space Operations), as well as four executive functions (Communications and Public Affairs, Policy, Planning and Relations, Corporate Management, and Audit Evaluation and Review) and four Corporate functions (Information Management and Information Technology, Human Resources, Security and Facilities, and Legal Services). The President is supported by the Senior Vice-President and the Vice-President of Science, Technology and Programs.
The CSA has about 635 employees and some 170 service contractors. Most (90%) work at the John H. Chapman Space Centre, the Agency headquarters in Longueuil, Quebec. The rest work in Ottawa, at the David Florida Laboratory and two other locations, as well as in the Canadian Space Agency offices in Washington, Paris, and Houston.
This structure reflects the global environment for space programs, as many space activities are becoming more service-oriented, with their future often tied to end-users on the ground, or to the integration of their technology in terrestrial applications. In this context, the Agency's traditional role as the Canadian Space Program lead management organization has expanded to become a space systems operator, as well as a facilitator to help industry in developing and exploiting space technologies.
To meet the evolving needs of citizens, the Agency partners with government, industry, universities, and international organizations. There are four key ways Canada and Canadians are using and benefiting from space:
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Earth Observation |
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Space Science and Exploration |
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Satellite Communications |
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Awareness and Learning |
Industry Portfolio
The CSA is part of the Industry Portfolio, a powerful toolkit to help Canada make a smooth transition to the economy of the
21st Century. The Portfolio plays a key role in the government's strategy to position Canada as a world leader in the new global economy, based on knowledge, innovation and technology. Under the responsibility of the Minister of Industry, the Portfolio brings together
16 departments and agencies that deal with science and technology, regional development, marketplace services and micro-economic policy.
The Industry Portfolio includes:
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