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1.1 Minister's Message
Last year, Canada was the last country to fall into the global recession. Today, our economy is beginning to emerge in the strongest position of any advanced country in the world. Investment and key stimulus measures as part of Year 1 of Canada's Economic Action Plan provided continued results and helped set Canada apart from its G-8 counterparts in terms of economic strength.
In 2009-2010, Industry Canada worked quickly with its Portfolio Partners to deliver timely and targeted stimulus initiatives. Composed of Industry Canada and 10 other agencies, Crown corporations and quasi-judicial bodies, the Portfolio helps the Department to build a more productive and competitive economy.
The Government of Canada has allocated $110 million in Economic Action Plan funding over three years to the Canadian Space Agency. These funds will contribute to the development of terrestrial prototypes for space robotic vehicles, such as the Mars Lander and Lunar Rover, and other advanced space technologies. The Agency actively consulted with Government, academic and industrial stakeholders and refocused its activities to meet the priorities of Canada. The result of this ongoing and strengthening relationship is clearly being shown in the provision of critical cross-cutting space-derived information that is helping Government departments and agencies to better serve the needs of Canadians.
Moving forward, Industry Canada will continue to ensure that the jobs and industries of the future are created right here in Canada. We will follow through on delivering existing stimulus plans and continue to support government priorities. This means ensuring that we have the right conditions and regulatory frameworks in place to encourage investment in Canada, increasing support for R&D to improve Canada's long-term competitiveness and developing a digital economy.
I will work with the Industry Portfolio Partners, the private sector and other governments to enhance Canada's productivity and create the foundation for strong, sustainable and balanced growth.
It is my pleasure to present this year's Departmental Performance Report for the Canadian Space Agency.
Tony Clement,
Minister of Industry
President's Message
It gives me pleasure to report on the performance of the Canadian Space Agency under my first full year as President. The year was marked by a number of concerted efforts that are aligning the Programs and expenditures of the Canadian Space Agency and improving our management and performance to better meet the needs and priorities of the Government of Canada.
Over the past year, the Agency conducted a vast consultation of senior executives of other government departments, academia and industry stakeholders and heads of space agencies. These discussions and the input received from these key stakeholders are helping shape the future direction of the Agency and providing insight into the formulation of an integrated and strategic space plan focused on the current and future priorities of Canada and Canadians. This consultation has lead to a re-examination of the organizational structure of the Agency to ensure that the management of programs activities are carried out in both an effective and efficient manner, while making the best and judicious use of funds allocated by Parliament.
The reorganization of the Agency's business lines is aligned with a new Program Activity Architecture that will be introduced in 2011 and is designed to achieve the following objectives:
- Increase service to Government departments and expand the use of space data and information to respond to Canadians needs;
- Expand Canadian space expertise and enhance synergy between government, academia and industry partners;
- Foster operational excellence and effectiveness by promoting a consistent vision and direction on programs and projects throughout their life cycle; and,
- Strengthen the Agency's role in positioning Canada to play a key role in future space exploration missions.
This report also documents how the Agency is supporting the priorities of the Canadian Government and delivering social and economic benefits to Canadians from our outstanding space achievements such as the RADARSAT Earth Observation satellites, the contribution of an advanced robotics suite including Canadarm2, the Mobile Base System and Dextre, a two-armed dexterous robot, to the International Space Station (ISS), and, the successful flight demonstration of the Ka-band broadband capabilities aboard the Anik F2 communications satellite.
As a result of the 2008-2009 Strategic Review of Programs and Expenditures, significant progress has been made to strengthen planning, project management and risk mitigation of complex space projects and missions. At the same time, the Agency renewed its Grants, Contributions and Sponsorship Program to focus support for Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology, and began work to extend to 2019, Canada's privileged cooperation agreement with the European Space Agency. Among its remarkable successes, the CSA notes that its forecast for the use of RADARSAT-2 Earth Observation imaging by Government departments and agencies was fully met during its first year of operations.
It is my pleasure to submit, for tabling in Parliament, the Canadian Space Agency's Departmental Performance Report for 2009-2010. Together, by building academic and industrial capacity, strengthening synergy and leveraging opportunities with our international partners, the Agency will continue to contribute to helping the Government maximise the strategic use of space to meet the needs of Canadians and strengthen our place in the global knowledge economy.
Steve MacLean,
President
Section 1: Overview
1.1 Raison d'Être and Responsibilities
The mandate of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is "to promote the peaceful use and development of space, to advance the knowledge of space through science and to ensure that space science and technology provide social and economic benefits for Canadians".
The CSA is achieving this mandate in cooperation with other government departments/agencies, industries, and universities, as well as international partners. In addition to delivering its own programs, the CSA is responsible for coordinating all federal civil space-related policies and programs pertaining to science and technology research, industrial development, and international cooperation.
To learn more about the mandate of the Canadian Space Agency, go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/about/mission.asp
The Canadian Space Strategy (CSS) approved by the Government of Canada in February 2005 guides the Agency in the management of its programs. The Strategy is instrumental in focusing decision-making at the CSA and aligning all space related program activities through its strategic outcome and long-term priorities.
To learn more about the Canadian Space Strategy, go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/default.asp
The release in 2007 of the Government's Science and Technology Strategy – Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage – provides the CSA with a solid framework with which to prioritise CSA programs and initiatives to "make Canada a world leader in science and technology and a key source of entrepreneurial innovation and creativity".
To learn more about the Canada's Science and Technology Strategy, go to:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/ic1.nsf/en/h_00231e.html
1.2 Strategic Outcome and Program Activity Architecture
Strategic Outcome
Since 2007-2008, all program activities contribute to a single Strategic Outcome: "Canada's presence in space meets the needs of Canadians for scientific knowledge, space technology and information".
Program Activities1
Space Based Earth Observation (EO): To develop and operationalize the use of Space Based Earth Observation for the benefit of Canadians, especially in the fields of environment, resources and land use management, as well as security and foreign policy. In doing so, the CSA maintains and expands Canada's leadership in EO technologies to obtain the timely, relevant and essential information we need to make judicious decisions about our collective future.
Space Science and Exploration (SE): To better understand the solar system and the Universe; expand our knowledge on the constituent elements and origins of life; and strengthen a human presence in space. In doing so, the CSA sustains and increases Canada's contribution to humankind's scientific knowledge, to the exploration of our solar system and the Universe and to the development of related technologies.
Satellite Communications (SC): To provide all Canadians with the means to participate and fully benefit from the global information age. In doing so, the CSA upholds Canada's status as a world leader in Satellite Communications and extends the most advanced products and services to all Canadians.
Generic Technological Activities (GTA): To provide leadership, coordination or support to Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration, and Satellite Communications through activities that are generic in their nature since they contribute to all three program activities.
Space Awareness and Learning (AL): To further public understanding and engagement with regards to space related issues, ultimately improving the scientific literacy of Canadians by carrying out a national awareness and learning initiative in support of the CSA programs.
Internal Services: To implement the government's commitment to modern public service management in accordance with the Management Accountability Framework's (MAF) expectations.
CSA Organizational Structure
Reporting to the Minister of Industry, the Canadian Space Agency's Chief Executive Officer is the President, assisted by the Executive Committee, which is composed of the Senior Vice-President, four Directors General (Space Science, Space Technologies, Space Programs, and Operations Branches) as well as the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Human Resources Officer, and the Director of Communications and Public Affairs. This organizational structure became effective on January 2, 2008.
In 2009-2010, the CSA reviewed its organizational structure to better deliver on government priorities and requirements. The new organizational structure became effective on April 1, 2010. The President of the Canadian Space Agency is assisted by the members of the new CSA Executive Committee: Vice-President, four Directors General (Space Utilization, Space Exploration, Space Science and Technology, Corporate Services) as well as the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Human Resources Officer, and the Director, Communications and Public Affairs.
1 Description of Program Activities are taken from the Main Estimates available on line:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/estime.asp
1.3 Performance Summary
1.3.1) Program Activity Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes
| Program Activity ($ millions) |
2008-2009 Actual Spending | 2009-2010 | Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Estimates | Planned Spending | Total Authorities | Actual Spending | |||
| Space Based Earth Observation (EO) | 63.0 | 85.8 | 89.9 | 87.3 | 75.5 | A Clean and Healthy Environment |
| Space Science and Exploration (SE) | 161.4 | 143.3 | 143.3 | 168.7 | 153.6 | A Strong and Mutually Beneficial North American Partnership |
| Satellite Communications (SC) | 27.1 | 20.3 | 20.3 | 20.6 | 19.7 | A Safe and Secure Canada |
| Generic Technological Activities (GTA) in support of EO, SE and SC | 47.5 | 53.8 | 53.8 | 55.0 | 43.0 | An Innovative and Knowledge-Based Economy |
| Space Awareness and Learning (AL) | 7.1 | 8.9 | 8.9 | 8.9 | 5.9 | A Vibrant Canadian Culture and Heritage |
| Internal Services3 | N/A | 43.0 | 43.0 | 45.9 | 46.9 | Not applicable (N/A) |
| Total | 306.0 | 355.1 | 359.22 | 386.4 | 344.6 | |
Notes:
- Totals may not add due to rounding.
- Variance of $4.1 million between TOTAL $355.1 million for Main Estimates and TOTAL $359.2 million for Planned Spending is caused by the planned reinvestment of royalties from the sale of RADARSAT-1 data under the Space Based Earth Observation Program Activity.
- Commencing in the 2009-2010 Estimates cycle, the resources for the Internal Services program activity are displayed separately from other program activities; they are no longer distributed among the remaining program activities, as it was the case in previous Main Estimates. This has affected the comparability of spending and FTE information by program activity between fiscal years.
An increasing number of countries are now involved in the peaceful development and use of space. A large number of satellites are expected to be launched over the next ten years. Two-thirds of these satellite projects will serve government programs in Earth Observation and Space Science and Exploration while most of the commercial investments are mainly related to Satellite Communications. The Canadian government investments in these three fields are guided by the Canadian Space Strategy in order to meet the needs of Canadians for scientific knowledge, space technology and information.
Canada is at a crossroads where major projects initiated in the 90's have been delivered and are now operational, and opportunities to collaborate with international partners in major space missions are growing. The major projects that are now fully operational consist of RADARSAT-2 Earth observation satellite, the contribution of an advanced robotics suite including Canadarm2, a Mobile Base System and Dextre, the two-armed dexterous robot, to the International Space Station (ISS), and, the successful flight demonstration of the KA broadband capabilities aboard the Anik F2 communications satellite. These and other remarkable accomplishments, combined with sustained contribution by Canadian astronauts to international space exploration missions, have continued to brand Canada as a science and technology focused and reliable trading partner.
In 2009-2010, the CSA conducted a series of extensive consultations with its stakeholders and partners in order to move forward with a renewed impetus to sustain and enhance Canada's space advantage. At the request of the Government, the CSA has been developing a Long Term Space Plan. This plan would propose ways to achieve the Government's strategic and public policy interests with recommendations for Canada's role and participation in future space exploration activities. The critical challenges that Canada faces related to space consist of increasing significantly the use of space data and information by the Government of Canada to serve its strategic and public policy interests, ensuring the sustainability and capacity of its space industry and academia and, strengthening its international partnerships through meaningful, leading-edge contributions.
The CSA made adjustments in a number of program management areas as a follow-up to the 2008-2009 Expenditure Strategic Review and Program Evaluations:
-
Significant progress was made in strengthening planning, project management and risk mitigation of complex space projects and missions. The CSA submitted to Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) a draft of its Investment Plan to meet the standards set by the new Government Wide Investment Planning – Assets and Acquired Services and Management of Projects Policies. The Plan includes an Organizational Project Management Capacity Assessment and Project Complexity, and Risk Assessments.
-
A renewed Grants, Contributions and Sponsorship Program to support Research Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology was implemented. Collaborations with other Granting Councils were initiated to strengthen the leverage of CSA's investments and expand the partnership between government, academia and space industry.
-
Government departments and agencies are consistently increasing their use of RADARSAT-2 Earth Observation imaging since it started operations in April 2008. The CSA has met its forecasts established for the first full year of operations.
-
Work has begun to renew and extend to 2019 the existing agreement with the European Space Agency which leads to outstanding collaboration between the European and the Canadian science and space industry communities.
1.3.2) Performance Status
| Planned Spending | Total Authorities | Actual Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 359.21 | 386.4 | 344.6 |
1. Variance of $4.1 million between TOTAL $355.1 million for Main Estimates and TOTAL $359.2 million for Planned Spending is caused by the planned reinvestment of royalties from the sale of RADARSAT-1 data under the Space Based Earth Observation Program Activity.
Any significant variance reported against Planned Spending set out in the 2009-2010 Report on Plans and Priorities is explained in Section 3.3.1 - Spending by Program Activity.
| Planned | Actual | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 711.2 | 662.9 | 48.3 |
Any significant variance reported against Planned FTEs set out in the 2009-2010 Report on Plans and Priorities is explained in Section 3.3.2 - FTEs Variance.
| Performance Indicators | 2009-2010 Performance |
|---|---|
1. Canada's rank in terms of support for peaceful space-related R&D; the measurement will provide the list of CSA missions, looking 10 years into the future and identifying the following for each mission:
|
In 2009, Canada was positioned 7th among 18 space-faring OECD nations in government investments in civil space programs. The order of investment is as follows: USA, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, UK, Canada, S-Korea, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Turkey, Denmark and Portugal. This list does not include non-OECD members who are major space-faring nations such as Russia, India, China and Brazil. |
|
Indicator 1 - Performance Analysis Canada's ranking among space-faring OECD nations is a partial indicator unless edified with complementary information such as a full spectrum of the level of support for each mission, an assessment of their level or diversity as well as the alignment with the Government of Canada and department's priorities. However, Canada's rank moved from 9th position to 7th in 2009. Source: EUROCONSULT: Civil Space Expenditures among Space-Faring OECD member-states, 2009. |
|
| Performance Indicators | 2009-2010 Performance |
|---|---|
2. State of the scientific, industrial and public sector communities involved in the space sector:
|
The 2009 data were not available at the time this report went to press. |
|
Indicator 2 - Performance Analysis The state of the Canadian Space sector, is based on a confidential survey conducted by the CSA and completed on a voluntarily basis by representatives of Canada space sector. For the time being, this survey is the only source providing a pulse of the Canadian space community. It is precious and reliable as long as necessary resources are provided to sustain or even improved its response's levels. The results gathered by this survey are key in the analysis of the Agency's strategic result. The data collected in 2008 reported a space workforce of 6,742 people (6,205 in the private sector and 537 in the public sector) distributed among 215 organizations (130 companies, 35 universities, 28 federal departments and agencies and 22 other organizations such as not-for-profit associations and research centers). Source: State of the Canadian Space Sector for 2008, (2009). |
|
| 3. Access and utilization by the Canadian government and industry of space data generated by Canadian space missions. | A total of 15 Other Governmental Departments (OGDs) have acquired space data from the 3 following satellites supported by the CSA: RADARSAT-1, RADARSAT-2 and ENVISAT. |
|
Indicator 3 - Performance Analysis Reported for the first time, this indicator identifies that among the 15 OGDs space data users, 30% (5/15) use data from more than one of CSA's supported satellites. However, it is important to flag that 75% of the data acquisition is made by the following 5 OGDs: Environment Canada, National Defense and Canadian Forces, Natural Resources Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. With only one year of reporting, the analysis of this indicator is limited. Source: Internal reporting documents. |
|
| Operational Priority Develop and operationalize the use of Space Based EO for the benefit of Canadians. |
Type Ongoing |
Status Mostly Met |
| Target Achievements (Program Sub-Sub-Activities) |
Achieved Vs Planned Targets | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 | ||||
| 23/23 | 100% | 13/15 | 87% | 14/15 | 93% | |
| Tendency (Starting base value = 82%) |
 |
|
|
|||
|
Tendency is established by comparison with the starting base value of 82% set in 2005-2006. In 2009-2010, only one of the 15 indicators was partially met. Its target was overly optimistic and therefore only one project reached the developmental phase. |
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|
Main Accomplishments over the last 3 years (2007-2008 to 2009-2010) The CSA maintained and expanded Canada's leadership in Earth observation technologies to obtain the timely, relevant and essential data needed to make judicious decisions about our collective future especially in the fields of environment, resources and land use management, as well as security and foreign policy. As a result, over the last 3 years:
A total of $175.1 million was spent over the 3 year period. |
||||||
|
Areas of Improvement Through the Government Related Initiative Program, the use of RADARSAT-2 Earth observation imaging by Government departments and agencies was strengthened. Work has begun to extending 2019 the existing agreement between Canada and the European Space Agency which leads to outstanding collaboration between European and Canadian science and space industry communities. |
||||||
For more detailed 2009-2010 performance information, go to: Section 2 - Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome.
| Operational Priority Understand the solar system and the Universe, expand our knowledge of the constituent elements and origins of life, and strengthen the human presence in space. |
Type Ongoing |
Status Mostly Met |
| Target Achievements (Program Sub-Sub-Activities) |
Achieved Vs Planned Targets | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 | ||||
| 29/31 | 94% | 22/23 | 96% | 18/20 | 90% | |
| Tendency (Starting base value = 83%) |
|
|
|
|||
|
Tendency is established by comparison with the starting base value of 83% set in 2005-2006. Note the continued effort to rationalize the total number of indicators for program sub-sub-activities. In 2009-2010, two of the 20 indicators were partially met, one due to lower survey response level (only 67%) received from Principal Investigators (PI) and the other because one project did not reach the operational level as planned. |
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|
Main Accomplishments over the last 3 years (2007-2008 to 2009-2010) The CSA sustained and increased Canada's contribution to humankind's scientific knowledge, to the exploration of our solar system and the Universe and to the development of related technologies. As a result, over the last 3 years:
A total of $424.2 million was spent over the 3 year period. |
||||||
|
Areas of Improvement With the additional funding of $110 million allocated over the next three-year period, announced in the 2009 Budget, the CSA moved forward with the development of terrestrial prototypes for space robotic vehicles and the development of other advanced space technologies. In 2009-2010, ten existing contracts were extended and twelve new contracts were awarded under the CSA exploration core program. A renewed Grants, Contributions and Sponsorship Program to support Research Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology was approved and implemented. |
||||||
For more detailed 2009-2010 performance information, go to: Section 2 - Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome.
| Operational Priority Provide all Canadians with the means to participate in and fully benefit from the global information age. |
Type Ongoing |
Status Not Met |
| Target Achievements (Program Sub-Sub-Activities) |
Achieved Vs Planned Targets | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 | ||||
| 7/8 | 88% | 4/6 | 67% | 3/6 | 50% | |
| Tendency (Starting base value = 69%) |
|
 |
|
|||
|
Tendency is established by comparison with the starting base value of 69% set in 2005-2006. In 2009-2010, three of the six indicators were not met. In one instance, the work was interrupted on the development of mission concepts that were under review. In another case, the planned development milestones were partially met for some projects. And lastly, no northern communities were yet able to use broadband telecommunications services as targeted under the Government of Canada Capacity Credit for Government Applications and Services. |
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|
Main Accomplishments over the last 3 years (2007-2008 to 2009-2010) The CSA contributed to uphold Canada's status among world leaders in Satellite Communications and extend the most advanced products and services to all Canadians, including those living in northern communities. As a result, over the last 3 years:
A total of $67.3 million was spent over the 3 year period. |
||||||
|
Areas of Improvement Work related to implement access and use of Anik F2 broadband telecommunications has progressed with regards to the identification of potential end-users in the northern communities. This work contributes to the goal of making use of the Government of Canada capacity credit by 2011. The CSA has engaged with Natural Resources Canada, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Department of National Defence to improve the governance structure of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) activities within the federal government. |
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For more detailed 2009-2010 performance information, go to: Section 2 - Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome.
| Operational Priority Provide leadership, coordination or support to Earth Observation (EO), Space Science and Exploration (SE), and Satellite Communications (SC) through generic technology research and space-qualification activities. |
Type Ongoing |
Status Mostly Met |
| Target Achievements (Program Sub-Sub-Activities) |
Achieved Vs Planned Targets | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 | ||||
| 7/8 | 88% | 4/7 | 57% | 5/6 | 83% | |
| Tendency (Starting base value = 86%) |
|
|
|
|||
|
Tendency is established by comparison with the base value of 86% set in 2006-2007. In 2009-2010 one of the six indicators was partially met because the targeted number of licenses to be granted for space technologies was not reached. |
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|
Main Accomplishments over the last 3 years (2007-2008 to 2009-2010) Through its investments in research-development and applications, and the resulting technology transfers to the private and public sectors, the CSA helped enhance the Canadian space industry's competitiveness and increase Canada's ability to compete in the global marketplace in the fields of Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration, and Satellite Communications. As a result, over the last 3 years:
A total of $131.3 million was spent over the 3 year period. |
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|
Areas of Improvement The CSA has developed a Technology Plan based on the needs of future missions. A preliminary list of niche technologies for Earth observation, satellite communication and space exploration has been established following internal consultations. Niche areas will be finalized after consultation with the government, industry and academia communities. Using partnership, collaborative research and development programs, the CSA and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) supported 16 collaborative research projects which foster closer collaboration between the industry, universities and government in space research and technology development. |
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For more detailed 2009-2010 performance information, go to: Section 2 - Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome.
| Operational Priority Further public understanding and engagement with regards to space related issues, ultimately leading to improving the scientific literacy of Canadians. |
Type Ongoing |
Status Met all |
| Target Achievements (Program Sub-Sub-Activities) |
Achieved Vs Planned Targets | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 | ||||
| 15/16 | 94% | 3/3 | 100% | 3/3 | 100% | |
| Tendency (Starting base value = 94%) |
= | |
NA | |||
|
* Note: Performance was established at the SA level only. The trend analysis is not available in 2009-2010 due to a review and realignment of the Program Activity Architecture which resulted in the deletion of the sub-sub-activity levels of the Space Awareness and Learning Program Activity. |
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Main Accomplishments over the last 3 years (2007-2008 to 2009-2010) The CSA fostered science and technology literacy and offered opportunities to enhance the expertise of Canadian scientists, engineers and physicians in space science, space technology and space medicine. As a result, over the last 3 years:
A total of $16.5 million was spent over the 3 year period. |
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|
Areas of Improvement A renewed Grants, Contributions and Sponsorship Program to support Research Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology was approved and implemented. It will support the development of learning activities in collaboration with science centres and museums, youth and science associations, and the education community across Canada. |
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For more detailed 2009-2010 performance information, go to: Section 2 - Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome.
| Management Priority Implement the Government's commitment to modernize Public Service management in accordance with the Management Accountability Framework. |
Type Ongoing |
Status Not met |
| Target Achievements (Program Sub-Sub-Activities) |
Achieved Vs Planned Targets | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 | ||||
| 13/14 | 93% | 3/6 | 50% | 1/2 | 50% | |
| Tendency (Starting base value = 93%) |
Starting base | |
N/A | |||
|
* Note: Performance was established at the Sub-Activity level only, therefore the trend analysis is not available in 2009-2010. |
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Main Accomplishments over the last 3 years (2007-2008 to 2009-2010) A 3-years summary is unavailable this year because this section appeared for the first time in 2008-2009. |
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Areas of Improvement In order to align strategies, planning priorities, funding levels, and operations with its long term vision the CSA has reviewed its organizational structure and, has submitted a revised Program Activity Architecture (PAA) to Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS). The new PAA was integrated in the corporate work planning, financial planning, and control systems in time for the 2011-2012 Annual Reference Level Update. Significant progress was made in strengthening planning, project management and risk mitigation of complex space projects and missions. The CSA submitted to TBS a draft of its Investment Plan to meet the standards set by the new Government Wide Investment Planning – Assets and Acquired Services and Management of projects Policies. |
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For more detailed 2009-2010 performance information, go to: Section 2 - Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome.
1.4 Risk Analysis
Strategic Context of the Canadian Space Agency
International Context
Space is recognized by industrialized nations as an essential and strategic tool to meet their social, economic, and foreign policy objectives. Accordingly, many governments around the world of traditional and emerging spacefaring nations are increasing their investments in space activities, looking for increased consolidation and the advancement of their space capabilities.
International cooperation is critical to the implementation of the Canadian Space Strategy. Canada is working in partnership with other spacefaring nations, particularly through its longstanding relations with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA). Through these partnerships, Canada can leverage its resources and maximize its return on investment while sharing technical expertise, knowledge, and infrastructure, and gaining access to areas where Canada has chosen not to invest due to limited resources. In addition, there are increasing concerns over issues such as space security, access, weather, debris and climate change. These issues transcend national borders and favour increasing cooperation between nations with common goals. Canada's space infrastructure must not only meet national strategic needs, but must also play a tangible role in responding to issues of interest to the international community.
Canada is regarded as a reliable partner that possesses unique technical and scientific capabilities, and as a nation that can meaningfully contribute to the initiatives of foreign space agencies. In particular, emerging space-faring countries in Asia and South America may offer great potential for future cooperation. Thus, Canada continues to deploy its efforts to gain a foothold in these emerging markets. It is of paramount importance that the Canadian Space Agency continues to work with its stakeholders to ensure the competitiveness of our research and business communities in the world markets. Canada's space industry is perceived as internationally competitive. This was confirmed in 20092 by the results of the 2008 Annual Survey of the Canadian Space Sector3. With yearly revenues of $2,793 billion, $1.405 billion derived from exports, representing 50% of the industry's total revenues. The main destinations of Canadian exports are:
-
The United States remains the largest market accounting for 52.1% (or, $733 million) of the $1,405 billion of total exports. Europe falling second, accounting for 28.4% (or, $399.5 million);
-
Export revenues from Oceania increased by 7.5% - from $47.6 to $51.2 million;
-
Export revenues from South America increased by 63.8% - from $31.8 to $52.1 million; and,
- Export revenues from Africa increased by 71.4% - from $5.4 to $8.9 million.
2 The 2010 results from the 2009 Annual Survey of the Canadian Space Sector were not available at the time this report went to press.
3 CSA: State of the Canadian Space Sector 2008 (2009); Overall Revenues, Domestic v. Export Revenues.
National Context
The Canadian Space Agency recognizes that the best means of turning scientific and technological advancements into innovative products and services is through partnerships with Canadian universities and businesses. With its highly skilled workforce, our space industry not only generates wealth in our economy, but also provides competitive products and services. Given that the national market is relatively small, it is critical that the Canadian space industry be able to leverage foreign investments and generate export sales. Capitalizing on export revenue depends on the industry's ability to commercialize highly competitive products and services, and establish local and international partnerships.
In 20084, Satellite Communications sector continued to generate almost 77% of Canada's $2,793 billion in space sector revenues. Moreover, the sector saw an increase of 17.1% (from $1,832 billion to $2,146 billion) during that year. A breakdown of the total $2,793 billion in revenues by sectors of activity reads as follows:5
-
Satellite Communications: 76.8% ($2,146 billion);
-
Navigation: 9% ($254 million);
-
Earth Observation: 7.1% ($200 million);
-
Robotics: 4% ($110 million);
-
Space Science: 2% ($68 million); and,
-
Space-related activities in other areas: 0.5% ($16 million).
While small in terms of the number of firms, the Canadian space sector is knowledge-intensive and is at the forefront of research and innovation. Building on the strengths of 6,742 skilled workers, including 2,189 highly qualified personnel, they have acquired world-leading capabilities in niche areas such as Earth observation, space robotics, scientific instruments, communications and navigation satellites.
To learn more about Canadian space-related organizations, go to:
http://www5.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/industry/csd.asp
To encourage sustainable industrial regional development and to maximize benefits to all Canadians, the CSA uses the following regional distribution objectives as guidelines for its investments in space: 10% in British Columbia; 10% in the Prairies; 35% in Ontario; 35% in Quebec; and, 10% in Atlantic Canada. The data presented in the graphic below accounts for all Government space-related funding for the period from April 1988 to March 2010.
4 The 2010 results from the 2009 Annual Survey of the Canadian Space Sector were not available at the time this report went to press.
5 CSA: State of the Canadian Space Sector 2008 (2009).
Regional Distribution of Government Space Related Funding (as of March 31, 2010)
Source: CSA Organized Research Information System (ORIS), March 31, 2009.
Government Context
1 - The Canadian Space Strategy
Approved by the Government of Canada in February 2005, the Canadian Space Strategy was developed in full consultation with Government of Canada organizations and Canadian stakeholders. It is the framework that guides all CSA programs and provides our stakeholders and partners with insight on Canada's strategic directions. While the Canadian Space Strategy preceded the Science and Technology
(S&T) Strategy, it embraces the principles of world-class excellence, and contains a similar set of priorities and innovative national partnerships. To learn more about the Canadian Space Strategy, go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/default.asp#strategy
2 - The Canadian Science and Technology Strategy
The objective of the Government S&T Strategy is to "make Canada a world leader in science and technology and a key source of entrepreneurial innovation and creativity". In order for Canada to achieve this objective, the S&T Strategy identifies the following three underlining conditions for success: a strong private-sector commitment to S&T, a strengthened knowledge base and, be a magnet for talent. In 2008-2009, the CSA undertook a Strategic Review to evaluate its programs and ensure that they were aligned with the Government's S&T Strategy. Adjustments made in 2009-2010 to continue meeting the needs and priorities of Canadians are described in the sections Area of improvement in the Performance Summary. To learn more about the Canadian Science and Technology Strategy, go to: http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/ic1.nsf/en/h_00231e.html
3 - Corporate Risk Management
For 2009-2010, the CSA has implemented mitigation action plans addressing the two highest priorities identified in the CSA corporate risk profile:
1. The capacity of CSA to align its strategies, planning, priorities, funding levels, operations and capacity to deliver, and to obtain clear understanding and buy-in from managers and staff. Six of 12 actions were completed among them:
- The Draft of its Investment Plan meeting the standards set by the new Government wide Investment Planning – Assets and Acquired Services Policies was submitted to TBS;
- Corrective actions were completed in response to the internal Audit Report on Project Management; and,
- A business plan was implemented to improve project cost estimation.
The CSA concluded that this corporate risk remains a high priority and it will pursue a series of ongoing and new mitigation actions in 2010-2011:
- Continue developing and advancing the Long Term Space Plan;
- Establish External Advisory Committees for the Agency and each Program Activity;
- Develop an Acquisitions Strategy and a multi-year Acquisition Plan;
- Develop a CSA Policy on Project Costs Allocation;
- Complete actions in response to external and internal audits on risk management; and,
- Establish Cost Estimation and Review Team.
2. The capacity of the CSA to hire and maintain a highly-qualified workforce of public servants to deliver its mandate. Five of seven actions were completed among them:
- A staffing blitz was completed with the result that qualified candidates have been identified for 80% of the targeted positions;
- The pool of engineering candidates has progressed as planned; and,
- An action plan was developed to address personnel retention and attrition.
The CSA concluded that this corporate risk remains a high priority and it will pursue a series of ongoing and new mitigation actions in 2010-2011:
- Review Human Resources business processes and work organization;
- Implement a corporate action plan in response to the 2008 Public Service Employee Survey;
- Develop and implement a plan to promote the importance of Public Service Values and Ethics; and,
- Update Human Resources Integrated Plans in line with the new 2011-2012 Program Activity Architecture and the recent CSA reorganization.
1.5 Expenditure Profile
1.5.1) Spending Trend
The CSA's A-base funding has been maintained at $300 million per annum since 1999. However, authorities and estimates are significantly higher than this amount and fluctuate from year to year for two main reasons:
- The incremental funds ($111 million) allocated in Budget 2005 over five years (2005-2006 to 2009-2010) to begin work on the next generation of advanced radar remote sensing satellites (RADARSAT Constellation); and,
- The cumulative impact of funds reprofiling caused by delays in the implementation of high-risk projects due to a series of uncertainties and technical challenges.
The recurrent annual under-spending results from cumulative reprofilings of Capital funds. In 2009-2010, the results from the 2008-2009 Strategic Expenditure Review and the implementation of the first year of the Budget 2009 Canada's Economic Action Plan also had a minor impact on the spending trend. Nevertheless, the CSA has narrowed significantly the gap between actual spending and main estimates in 2009-2010.
Any significant variance reported against Planned Spending set out in the 2009-2010 Report on Plans and Priorities is explained in Section 3.3.1 – Spending by Program Activity.
1.5.2) Financial information on Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP)
Note: The Canada's Economic Action Plan figures exclude contributions to Employee Benefit Plan (EBP).
In Budget 2009, Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP) provided the CSA with an additional $110 million over three years for the development of prototypes of a lunar exploration rover, a Mars science rover, and next-generation space robotics systems and technologies for on-orbit servicing. The two main objectives of this initiative are the preservation of Canadian expertise and leadership in space robotics, and increasing Canada's readiness and credibility as a partner for participation in future international space robotics projects and space exploration missions. For more detailed information on the result of the implementation of the CEAP in 2009-2010, go to: Section 2.2 - Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP).
1.6 Voted and Statutory Items
| Vote # or Statutory Item (S) |
Truncated Vote or Statutory Wording ($ in millions) |
2007-2008 Actual Spending | 2008-2009 Actual Spending | 2009-2010 Main Estimates | 2009-2010 Actual Spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Operating expenditures | 178.9 | 196.6 | 208.0 | 218.0 |
| 30 | Capital expenditures | 56.8 | 56.9 | 90.1 | 77.0 |
| 35 | Grants and Contributions | 46.7 | 43.0 | 47.1 | 38.5 |
| (S) | Contributions to employee benefit plans | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.9 | 11.1 |
| Total | 291.7 | 306.0 | 355.1 | 344.6 | |
Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.
