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Section 3: Supplementary Information

3.1 CSA Contributions to Government of Canada Outcomes


Government of Canada Outcomes

Economy

Social

International

1. An Innovative and Knowledge-Based Economy

2. A Clean and Healthy Environment

3. Strong Economic Growth

1. Safe and Secure Communities

2. A Vibrant Canadian Culture and Heritage

3. Healthy Canadians

1. A Strong and Mutually Beneficial North American Partnership

2. A Safe and Secure World Through International Cooperation

3. A Prosperous Canada Through Global Commerce


CSA Contributions to Government of Canada Outcomes

CSA's Contributions to Government of Canada Economic Outcomes

The CSA's Strategic Outcome contributes to the development of Canada's economy as measured against the following outcomes outlined in Canada's Performance Report:

  • An innovative and knowledge-based economy;
  • A clean and healthy environment; and,
  • A strong economic growth.

The space industry contributes to Canada's economic well-being and helps achieve a higher standard of living and quality of life for all Canadians. For example:

Through its Research and Development (R&D) investments and the resulting transfers of applications to the private and public sectors, the CSA's programs and activities attract highly skilled labour that contributes to Canada's knowledge-based economy; help enhance the Canadian space industry's competitiveness by encouraging dynamic trade relationships with other nations; and increase Canada's ability to compete in the global marketplace.

Earth observation missions drive some of the changes that are improving our quality of life by helping our government deliver on priorities such as protection of the environment, sustainable development, management of natural resources, understanding climate change and providing support for disaster management.

Satellite communications missions are a key element in linking all Canadians, including remote and northern communities, in a communication network.

CSA's Contributions to Government of Canada Social Outcomes

The CSA's Strategic Outcome contributes to Canada's social foundations as measured against the following outcomes outlined in Canada's Performance Report:

  • Safe and secure communities;
  • A vibrant Canadian culture and heritage; and,
  • Healthy Canadians.

Space infrastructure offers privileged access and facilitates the dissemination of timely health, cultural, security and safety related information to all Canadians, no matter where they live in Canada. For example:

Earth observation, communication and navigation satellites drive some of the changes that are improving our quality of life by helping our government deliver on environment, safety and security priorities, allowing timely monitoring and maintenance of a healthy physical environment over Canada, and providing support for disaster management in such situations as floods, forest fires and earthquakes. They also provide essential communication tool to support law and order enforcement activities and enhance search and rescue capabilities.

Fundamental research in physical and life sciences, space exploration, science and technology encourages a nation's best minds to participate in visionary endeavours. It encourages science and technology literacy, particularly among our youth, who are inspired by role models such as Canadian astronauts, scientists and researchers, who encourage them to strive high. It contributes to the development of the new technologies that will maintain Canada's leadership in fields ranging from nanotechnology and robotics to healthcare.

Satellite communication is a powerful channel that plays a significant role in sharing Canadian culture and heritage. It is essential to provide all Canadians, no matter where they live in Canada, with timely access to knowledge and expertise related to health and education through a range of non-commercial services, including e-government, e-learning, tele-justice, tele-education, as well as tele-medicine disciplines such as tele-psychiatry, tele-radiology, tele-surgery, and tele-consultations.

CSA's Contributions to Government of Canada International Outcomes

The CSA's Strategic Outcome contributes to establishing Canada's international presence as measured against the following outcome outlined in Canada's Performance Report:

  • A strong and mutually beneficial North American partnership;
  • A safe and secure world through international cooperation; and,,
  • A prosperous Canada trough global commerce.

Space is now recognized by industrialized nations as an essential strategic tool to meet social and economic objectives. Canada must therefore possess a space infrastructure, not only to meet its specific national needs, but also to play a tangible and visible role in responding to the issues that interest the international community. For example:

With its space exploration, science and technology endeavours, the majority of which involve international partners, the CSA plays an influential role in building bridges between an increasing number of space-faring countries. In striving to become one of the most advanced, connected, and innovative nations in the world, Canada offers and shares tremendous opportunities for the development and safety of the global community through the peaceful use of space. Canada is an official member of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, through which all members agree to use their Earth observation satellites when required to respond to disasters.

Canada's participation in the International Space Station (ISS) provides access to the unique space laboratory for Canadian researchers and ensures that Canada remains a partner of choice for future international partnerships that will explore the solar system and other planets.

Canada's participation, as a cooperating state, in European Space Agency (ESA) programs allows our industry and our scientific community to participate in forward-looking studies in Earth observation, space science and exploration as well as new telecommunications applications.

3.2 Financial Tables

3.2.1) Comparison of Planned to Actual Spending
(Including Full-Time Equivalents)


($ in millions) 2005-2006
Actual
2006-2007
Actual
2007-2008
Main
Estimates
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Space Based Earth Observation 113.3 80.4 126.6 130.8 126.3 66.6
Space Science and Exploration 136.7 144.5 153.7 154.8 153.8 140.2
Satellite Communications 32.0 32.8 27.9 27.9 29.2 26.9
Space Awareness and Learning 6.0 4.7 7.2 7.2 6.5 5.3
Generic Space Activities   52.0 52.7 52.7 60.4 52.7
Total 288.0 314.4 368.2 373.5 376.1 291.7
Less: Non-respendable revenue (4.9) (8.2) N/A (4.9) N/A (7.3)
Plus: Cost of services received without charge 3.8 4.7 N/A 4.7 N/A 4.2
Total Departmental Spending 286.9 310.6 N/A 373.3 N/A 288.6
Full-time Equivalents 596 609 N/A 709 N/A 604



Notes:

  • Due to rounding, figures may not add to totals shown.
  • Total Authorities are Main Estimates plus Supplementary Estimates and other Authorities.
  • The difference between the Total Authorities and Actual Spending is mainly due to re-profiling of funds from 2007-2008 to future years.
  • Planned Spending corresponds to Total Planned Spending in 2007-2008 RPP.
  • Program Activities shown in this table include amounts for Corporate Services and Infrastructure.
  • In 2007-2008, the CSA reviewed the amount for services received without charge from other government departments presented in 2006-2007.
  • For the 2005-2006 fiscal year, information is show according to PAA 2005-2006.

3.2.2) Voted and Statutory Items


Voted or
Statutory
Item
Truncated Vote or
Statutory Wording
($ in millions)
2007-2008
Main
Estimates
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
25 Operating expenditures 185.5 189.7 201.3 178.9
30 Capital expenditures 119.0 120.0 112.1 56.8
35 Grants and Contributions 52.6 52.6 53.6 46.7
(S) Contributions to employee benefit plans 11.1 11.1 9.2 9.2
  Total 368.2 373.5 376.1 291.7



Notes:

  • Total Authorities are Main Estimates plus Supplementary Estimates and other Authorities.
  • Planned Spending corresponds to Total Planned Spending in 2007-2008 RPP.

3.2.3) Financial Statements of Departmental Corporations and Agents of Parliament

Financial Statements of Departmental Corporations and Agents of Parliamen

Canadian Space Agency
Statement of Cash Flow (unaudited)

For the Year Ended March 31
(in thousands of dollars)


  2008 2007
    Restated
(note 15)
 
Expenses (note 4)    
     Space Science and Exploration (SE) 199,611 193,004
     Generic Space Activities in support of EO,
     SE and SC (GSA)
57,140 45,686
     Satellite Communications (SC) 24,751 33,385
     Space Based Earth Observation (EO) 20,777 47,621
     Space Awareness and Learning (AL) 5,396 4,860
     Total Expenses 307,675 324,556
 
Expenses (note 5)    
     Space Science and Exploration (SE) 51 13
     Generic Space Activities in support of EO,
     SE and SC (GSA)
3,263 818
     Satellite Communications (SC) 9 3
     Space Based Earth Observation (EO) 3,995 7,428
     Space Awareness and Learning (AL) 2 1
     Total Revenues 7,320 8,263
 
Net Cost of Operations 300,355 316,293

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Canadian Space Agency
Statement of Operations (Unaudited)

For the Year Ended March 31
(in thousands of dollars)


  2008 2007
Assets    
Financial Assets    
Accounts receivable and advances (note 6) 5,102 3,637
Total Financial Assets 5,102 3,637
 
Non-Financial Assets    
Prepaid expenses (note 7) 450,349 402,163
Tangible capital assets (note 8) 1,042,084 1,103,754
Total Non-Financial Assets 1,492,433 1,505,917
 
TOTAL 1,497,535 1,509,554
 
Liabilities and Equity of Canada    
Liabilities    
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 9) 79,465 85,966
Deferred revenues (note 10) 458 12
Vacation pay and compensatory leave 3,385 3,407
Employee severance benefits (note 12) 9,838 9,964
Other liabilities (note 11) 15,642 18,083
  108,788 117,432
 
Equity of Canada 1,388,747 1,392,122
 
Total 1,497,535 1,509,554

Contractual obligations (note 13)

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Canadian Space Agency
Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited)

As at March 31
(in thousands of dollars)


  2008 2007
    Restated
(note 15)
 
Equity of Canada, beginning of year    
Financial Assets 1,392,122 1,404,092
 
Net cost of operations (300,355) (316,293)
Current year appropriations used (note 3) 291,661 314,416
Revenue not available for spending (7,257) (8,240)
Refunds of previous year's expenses (2,604) (742)
Change in net position in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (note 3(c)) 10,943 (5,851)
Services provided without charge by other government departments (note 14) 4,237 4,740
 
Equity of Canada, end of year 1,388,747 1,392,122

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Canadian Space Agency
Statement of Equity of Canada (Unaudited)

For the Year Ended March 31
(in thousands of dollars)


  2008 2007
    Restated
(note 15)
 
Operating activities    
Net cost of operations 300,355 316,293
 
Non-cash items:    
- Amortization of tangible capital assets (note 8) (108,573) (90,963)
- Loss on write-offs of tangible capital assets (2,084) -
- Gain on transfer of tangible capital assets - 85
- Gain on disposal of tangible capital assets 15 23
Services provided without charge by other government departments (note 14(a)) (4,237) (4,740)
Variations in Statement of Financial Position:    
- Increase in accounts receivable and advances 1,465 1,090
- Increase in prepaid expenses 48,186 36,837
- (Increase) decrease accounts payable and accrued liabilities 6,501 (8,842)
- (Increase) decrease deferred revenue (446) 4,031
- (Increase) decrease vacation pay and compensatory leave 22 (202)
- (Increase) decrease employee severance benefits 126 (35)
- (Increase) decrease other liabilities 2,441 (2,236)
 
Cash used by operating activities 243,771 251,341
 
Capital investment activities    
- Acquisition of tangible capital assets (note 8) 48,987 48,350
- Proceeds from disposal of tangible capital assets (15) (23)
- Land Transfer between departments - (85)
Cash used by capital investment activities 48,972 48,242
 
Financing activities    
Net Cash provided by Government of Canada (note 3(c)) (292,743) (299,583)

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Canadian Space Agency
Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)

For the Year Ended March 31, 2008

1. Authorizations and Goals

The Canadian Space Agency (the "Agency") was decreed a "Department" on March 1st, 1989 under the Financial Administration Act, Section 2, paragraph (b).

For its part, the Canadian Space Agency Act, on legal notice of the Prime Minister, and under Section 29 of the Act to establish the Canadian Space Agency and to provide for other matters in relation to space, was sanctioned on May 10, 1990 under Chapter 13 of the Laws of Canada (L.C. 1990). His excellence, the Governor-in-Council, had fixed the effective date of this Act at December 14, 1990. The objectives of the Canadian Space Program (CSP) are to ensure the development and application of space science and technology to meet Canadian needs and to ensure the development of an international competitive space industry in Canada.

According to the approved Program Activity Architecture (PAA), the Statement of operations was detailed by the following Program Activities (Business Lines):

  • Space Based Earth Observation (EO)
    The program activity objective is to develop and make operational the use of space Earth Observation for the benefits of Canadian, especially in the fields of environment, resource and land use management, as well as security and foreign policy. In doing so, the Agency will maintain and expand Canada's leadership in Earth Observation technologies to obtain the timely, relevant and essential information we need to make judicious decisions about that share our needs and goals.
  • Space Science and Exploration (SE)
    The program activity objective is to better understand the solar system and the universe; to expand our knowledge on the constituent elements and origins of life, and strengthen a human presence in space. In doing so, the Agency will sustain and increase 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. This will advance supporting technologies and our fundamental and applies knowledge of chemistry, physics, life sciences by carrying out leading-edge experiments in the unique environment of space.
  • Satellite Communications (SC)
    The program activity objective is to provide all Canadians with the means to participate and fully benefit from the global information age. In doing so, the Agency will uphold Canada's status as a world leaser in Satellite Communications, and extend the most advances products and services to all Canadians, everywhere.
  • Space Awareness and Learning (AL)
    The program activity objective is to further public understanding and engagement with regards to space related issues, ultimately leading to improving the scientific literacy of Canadians by carrying out a national awareness and learning initiative in support of the Canadian Space Program.
  • Generic Space Activities in support of EO, SE and SC (GSA)
    The program activity objective is to provide leadership, co-ordination and support to Earth Observation (EO), Space Science and Exploration (SE), and Satellite Communications (SC) Program Activities through technology research and space-qualification activities that are generic in their nature. The Agency commits to provide technologies and innovative space techniques, conceptual methods and testing that will satisfy developmental requirements for future missions and Canadian space activities.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Treasury Board accounting policies, which are consistent with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for the public sector.

Significant accounting policies are as follows:

a) Parliamentary Appropriations

The Agency is financed by the Government of Canada through Parliamentary appropriations. Appropriations provided to the Agency do not parallel financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles since appropriations are primarily based on cash flow requirements. Consequently, items recognized in the statement of operations and the statement of financial position are not necessarily the same as those provided through appropriations from Parliament. Note 3 provides a high-level reconciliation between the two bases of reporting.

b) Net Cash Provided by the Government

The Agency operates within the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), which is administered by the Receiver General for Canada. All cash received by the Agency is deposited to the CRF and all cash disbursements made by the Agency are paid from the CRF. The net cash provided by Government is the difference between all cash receipts and all cash disbursements including transactions between departments of the federal government.

c) Change in net position in the Consolidated Revenue Fund

Change in net position in the Consolidated Revenue Fund is the difference between the net cash provided by Government and appropriations used in a year, excluding the amount of non-respendable revenue recorded by the Agency. It results from timing differences between when a transaction affects appropriations and when it is processed through the CRF.

d) Revenues

  • Revenues are accounted for in the period in which the underlying transaction or event occurred that gave rise to the revenues.
  • Revenues that have been received but not yet earned are recorded as deferred revenues (see note 10).

e) Expenses

Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis:

  • Grants are recognized in the year in which the conditions for payment are met;
  • Contributions are recognized in the year in which the recipient has met the eligibility criteria or fulfilled the terms of a contractual transfer agreement;
  • Vacation pay and compensatory leave are expensed as the benefits accrue to employees under their respective terms of employment; and,
  • Services provided without charge by other government departments for accommodation, the employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans and legal services are recorded as operating expenses at their estimated cost.

f) Employee Future Benefits

  • Pension benefits: Eligible employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, a multi employer plan administered by the Government of Canada. The Agency's contributions to the Plan are charged to expenses in the year incurred and represent the Agency's total obligation to the Plan. Current legislation does not require the Agency to make contributions for any actuarial deficiencies of the Plan.

  • Severance benefits: Employees are entitled to severance benefits under labour contracts or conditions of employment. These benefits are accrued as employees render the services necessary to earn them. The obligation relating to the benefits earned by employees is calculated using information derived from the results of the actuarially determined liability for employee severance benefits for the Government as a whole.

g) Accounts and Loans Receivables

These are stated as amounts expected to be ultimately realized. A provision is made for external receivables where recovery is considered uncertain.

h) Foreign Exchange

Transactions involving foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollar equivalents using rates of exchange in effect at the time of those transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into Canadian dollars using the rate of exchange in effect on 31 March. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in "others" under revenues and expenses.

i) Tangible Capital Assets

All tangible capital assets and leasehold improvements having an initial cost of $10,000 or more are recorded at their acquisition cost. The department does not capitalize intangibles, works of art and historical treasures that have cultural, esthetic or historical value, assets located on Indian Reserves and museum collections.

Amortization of tangible capital assets is done on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:


Property Category Useful Life
Buildings 30-40 years
Works and Infrastructures 30 years
Material and Equipment 10-20 years
Computer Material 5-7 years
Computer Software 3 years
Other Equipment including furniture 3-15 years
Motor Vehicles 5 years
Other Vehicles 10 years
Assets under construction Once in service, in accordance with asset type

j) Measurement Uncertainty

The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with Treasury Board accounting policies, which are consistent with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for the public sector requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the financial statements. At the time of preparation of these statements, management believes the estimates and assumptions to be reasonable. The most significant items where estimates are used are contingent liabilities, the liability for employee severance benefits and the useful life of tangible capital assets. Actual results could significantly differ from those estimated. Management's estimates are reviewed periodically and, as adjustments become necessary, they are recorded in the financial statements in the year they become known.

3. Parliamentary Appropriations

The Agency receives most of its funding through annual Parliamentary appropriations. Items recognized in the statement of operations and the statement of financial position in one year may be funded through Parliamentary appropriations in prior, current or future years. Accordingly, the Agency has different net results of operations for the year on a government-funding basis than on an accrual accounting basis. The differences are reconciled in the following tables:


(a) - Reconciliation of net cost of operations to current year appropriations used
  2008 2007
    Restated
(note 15)
  ($ in thousands)
Net Cost of Operations 300,355 316,293
 
Adjustments for items affecting net results but not affecting appropriations    
Add (less):    
     Amortization of tangible capital assets (note 8) (108,573) (90,963)
     Revenues not available for spending 7,257 8,240
     Services provided without charge by other government
     departments (note 14(a))
(4,237) (4,740)
     Refunds of previous year's expenses 2,604 742
     Loss on write-offs of tangible capital assets (2,084) -
     Gain on transfer of tangible capital assets - 85
     (Increase) decrease in employee severance benefits 126 (35)
     (Increase) decrease in vacation pay and
     compensatory leave
22 (202)
     Gain on disposal of tangible capital assets 15 23
     Other (982) (106)
 
Adjustments for items not affecting net results but affecting appropriations    
Add (less):    
     Acquisitions of tangible capital assets (note 8) 48,987 48,350
     Increase in prepaid expenses 48,186 36,837
     Proceeds from disposal of tangible capital assets (15) (23)
     Land transfer between departments - (85)
 
Current year appropriations used 291,661 314,416



(b) - Appropriations provided and used
  2008 2007
  ($ in thousands)
Appropriations provided    
     Vote 25 - Operating expenditures 201,257 201,087
     Vote 30 - Capital expenditures 112,078 116,364
     Vote 35 - Grants and contributions 53,586 58,346
     Statutory amounts 9,260 8,901
Less:    
     Appropriations available for future years (15) (23)
     Lapsed appropriations: Operating (22,361) (9,100)
     Lapsed appropriations: Capital (55,260) (59,649)
     Lapsed appropriations: Grants and contributions (6,871) (1,510)
     Statutory amounts (13) -
 
Current year appropriations used 291,661 314,416



(c) - Reconciliation of net cash provided by Government to current year appropriations used
  2008 2007
  ($ in thousands)
Net cash provided by Government 292,743 299,583
Revenue not available for spending 7,257 8,240
Refunds of previous years' expenses 2,604 742
 
Change in net position in the Consolidated
Revenue Fund
   
     Increase in accounts receivable and advances (1,465) (1,090)
     Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and
     accrued liabilities
(6,501) 8,842
     Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue 446 (4,031)
     Increase (decrease) in others liabilities (2,441) 2,236
     Other (982) (106)
  (10,943) 5,851
 
Current year appropriations used 291,661 314,416

4. Expenses


The following table presents details of expenses by category:
  2008 2007
    Restated
(note 15)
  ($ in thousands)
Operating Expenses    
Amortization of tangible capital assets (note 8) 108,573 90,963
Salaries and employee benefits 65,591 64,789
Professional and special services 60,469 73,898
Travel and Communications 8,200 8,356
Utilities, materials and supplies 5,026 5,700
Purchased repair and maintenance 2,625 2,688
Acquisition of machinery and material 2,111 18,423
Loss on write-offs of tangible capital assets 2,084 (85)
Information 1,404 1,236
Rentals 636 462
Other operating expenses 3,583 3,846
 
Total Operating Expenses 260,302 270,276
 
Transfer Payments    
International organizations 36,944 33,127
Industry 10,151 20,806
Individuals 278 347
 
Total Transfer Payments 47,373 54,280
 
Total Expenses 307,675 324,556

5. Revenues


The following table presents details of expenses by category:
  2008 2007
  ($ in thousands)
Revenues    
Sale of rights and privileges 3,955 3,307
Sale of goods and services 3,221 946
Gain on disposal of tangible capital assets 15 23
Other fees and charges - 3,972
Other non-tax revenue 129 15
 
Total Revenues 7,320 8,263

6. Accounts Receivables and Advances


The following table presents details of accounts receivable and advances:
  2008 2007
  ($ in thousands)
Other federal departments or agencies (note 14(b)) 2,734 2,976
External entities 2,383 679
Employee advances 23 19
 
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts on external receivables (38) (37)
 
Total 5,102 3,637

7. Prepaid Expenses


The following table presents details of prepaid expenses
  2008 2007
  ($ in thousands)
RADARSAT-2 prepaid services 445,136 395,405
Prepaid transfer payments 4,863 6,548
Other prepaid expenses 350 210
 
Total 450,349 402,163

8. Tangible Capital Assets


($ in thousands)
 

Cost

Capital Asset Class Opening Balance Acquisitions Transfers,
Disposals
and
Write-Offs
Closing Balance
Land 85 - - 85
Buildings 110,845 57 4,658 115,560
Works and infrastructures 279 - - 279
Material and equipment 33,292 3,091 67 36,450
Computer material 11,393 1,008 - 12,401
Computer software 4,515 281 - 4,796
Other equipment 1,561,966 130 305,820 1,867,916
Motor vehicles 24 - - 24
Other vehicles 161 52 - 213
Assets under construction 369,342 44,368 (312,629) 101,081
Total 2,091,902 48,987 (2,084) 2,138,805



($ in thousands)
 

Accumulated Amortization

Net book
Value

Capital Asset Class Opening
Balance
Amorti-zation Transfers,
Disposals
and
Write-Offs
Closing
Balance
2008 2007
Land - - - - 85 85
Buildings 52,670 3,809 - 56,479 59,081 58,175
Works and infrastructures 181 29 - 210 69 98
Material and Equipment 22,069 1,568 - 23,637 12,813 11,223
Computer material 8,771 1,019 - 9,790 2,611 2,622
Computer software 1,699 1,640 - 3,339 1,457 2,816
Other equipment 902,600 100,501 - 1,003,101 864,815 659,366
Motor vehicles 23 1 - 24 - 1
Other vehicles 135 6 - 141 72 26
Assets under construction - - - - 101,081 369,342
Total 988,148 108,573 - 1,096,721 1,042,084 1,103,754

Amortization expense for the year ended March 31, 2008 is $108,573 (2007 - $90,963).

In 2007, the land was transferred from Transport Canada to the Canadian Space Agency at the nominal value of 1$.

9. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities


The following table presents details of accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  2008 2007
  ($ in thousands)
Accrued liabilities 51,241 45,067
Accounts payable 22,752 37,611
Contractor's holdback 2,650 1,528
Accrued salaries and wages 1,540 1,365
Accounts payable - Other Departments (note 14(b)) 1,141 381
Other accounts payable 141 14
 
Total 79,465 85,966

10. Deferred Revenue


The following table presents details of revenues
  2008 2007
  ($ in thousands)
Sodexho: Rent received in advance    
 
Opening Balance, April 1 1 1
Plus: Receipts - 1
Less: Earned rent during the year 1 1
Closing Balance, March 31 - 1
 
RADARSAT-2: Special purpose account to record funds received for the payment of expenses related to the reception, archiving, cataloguing and satellite acquisition services.    
 
Opening Balance, April 1 - -
Plus: Receipts 701 -
Less: Earned revenues during the year 252 -
Closing Balance, March 31 449 -
 
RADARSAT-2: Amount received to cover expenses for the accommodation and installation of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) employees.    
 
Opening Balance, April 1 11 9
Plus: Receipts - 2
Less: Earned revenues during the year 2 -
Closing Balance, March 31 9 11
 
Closing Balance Total 458 12

11. Other Liabilities


  2008 2007
  ($ in thousands)
Non-monetary exchange CSA/NASA 11,712 10,709
Contractor's holdbacks 3,826 7,270
Participation of provinces - RADARSAT-1 104 104
 
Total 15,642 18,083

a) Non-Monetary Exchange

Under the International Space Station Agreement, which was executed in 1998, and ratified by Canada in year 2000, following the passing of the Civil International Space Station Agreement Implementation Act, in 1999 the Agency signed a barter agreement with NASA in August 2001, which the fair value was estimated at $20,8 million U.S. Currently, all the costs are not available and the fair value of the yielded services must be revaluated when the identification of total costs will be possible. This agreement provides that the Agency exchanges a part of its utilization rights on the Space Station, access to the Canadian Microgravity Isolation Mount, and agrees to assume repair costs for its Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator. In return, NASA will provide to the Agency, astronaut training, satellite and launch services. The transactions under this Barter Agreement may take place over the lifetime of the Space Station. During the fiscal years 2002 to 2008, the Agency received a part of astronaut training valued at $11,712 million CDN. As NASA did not exercise the option to access its proportion of Canada's utilization rights on the Space Station, a liability of $11,712 million CDN has been created by the Agency. Relative to this barter agreement or other agreements of the same kind that the Agency may enter into with its International Partners under the Agreement on the Space Station, the Treasury Board grants to the Agency an exemption under the Policy on Accounting for Non-Monetary Transactions and does not have to charge the transaction(s) to its appropriation.

b) Participation of provinces - RADARSAT-1

This specified purpose account was established to record moneys received for both cost-sharing and advance payments for RADARSAT scenes. RADARSAT-1 is an Earth Observation satellite to monitor environmental change and planets natural resources. It provides information to both commercial and scientific users in the fields of agriculture, cartography, hydrology, forestry, oceanography, ice studies and coastal monitoring.

12. Employee Benefits

a) Pension Benefits

The Agency's employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, which is sponsored and administered by the Government of Canada. Pension benefits accrue up to a maximum period of 35 years at a rate of 2 percent per year of pensionable service, times the average of the best five consecutive years of earnings. The benefits are integrated with Canada/Quebec Pension Plans benefits and they are indexed to inflation.

Both the employees and the Agency contribute to the cost of the Plan. The 2007-2008 expense amounts to $6.72 million ($6.54 million in 2006-2007), which represents approximately 2.1 time (2.2 time in 2006-2007) the contributions by employees.

The Agency's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contributions. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the financial statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor.

b) Severance Benefits

The Agency provides severance benefits to its employees based on eligibility, years of service and final salary. These severance benefits are not pre-funded. Benefits will be paid from future appropriations. Information about the severance benefits, measured as at March 31, is as follows:


  2008 2007
  ($ in thousands)
Accrued benefit obligation, beginning of year 9,9642 9,929
Plus: Expense for the year 342 408
Less: Benefits paid during the year (468) (373)
 
Accrued benefit obligation, end of year 9,838 9,964

13. Contractual Obligations

The nature of the Agency's activities can result in some large multi-year contracts and obligations whereby the Agency will be obligated to make future payments when the services/goods are received. Significant contractual obligations that can be reasonably estimated are summarized as follows:


($ in thousands)
  2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 &
Thereafter
Total
Acquisitions of goods and services 23 1 - - - 24
Transfer payments 34 29 22 13 17 115
 
Total 57 30 22 13 17 139

14. Related Party Transactions

The Agency is related as a result of common ownership to all Government of Canada departments, agencies, and Crown corporations. The Agency enters into transactions with these entities in the normal course of business and on normal trade terms. Also, during the year, the Agency received services, which were obtained without charge from other government departments as presented in part (a).


(a) Services provided without charge
During the year the Agency received without charge from other departments, accommodation, legal fees and the employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans. These services without charge have been recognized in the Agency's Statement of Operations as follows:
  2008 2007
Restated
(note 15)
  ($ in thousands)
Employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans 3,795 4,199
Legal Services 264 372
Accommodation 178 169
 
Total 4,237 4,740

The Government has structured some of its administrative activities for efficiency and cost-effectiveness purposes so that one department performs these on behalf of all without charge. The costs of these services, which include payroll and cheque issuance services provided by Public Works and Government Services Canada, are not included as an expense in the Agency's Statement of Operations.


(b) Payables and receivables outstanding at year-end with related parties
  2008 2007
  ($ in thousands)
Accounts receivable with other government departments and agencies (note 6) 2,734 2,976
Accounts payable to other government departments and agencies (note 9) 1,141 381

15. Restatement of Comparative Information

In 2007-2008, the Agency reviewed the amount presented as services received without charge from other government departments for 2006-2007. Consequently, the comparative financial statements presented for the year ended March 31, 2007 have been restated. The effect of this adjustment is presented in the table below.


($ in thousands) As previously
stated
Effect of the
Adjustment
Revised
Amount
Statement of Operations:      
Expenses      
Space Science and Exploration (SE) 192,783 221 193,004
Generic Space Activities in support of EO, SE and SC (GSA) 45,634 52 45,686
Satellite Communications (SC) 33,347 38 33,385
Space Based Earth Observation (EO) 47,566 55 47,621
Space Awareness and Learning (AL) 4,854 6 4,860
Total Expenses 324,184 372 324,556
Net Cost of Operations 315,921 372 316,293
 
Statement of Equity of Canada:      
Net cost of operations (315,921) (372) (316,293)
Services provided without charge by other government departments 4,368 372 4,740
 
Statement of Cash Flow:      
Net cost of operations 315,921 372 316,293
Services provided without charge by other government departments (4,368) (372) (4,740)
 
Note 3(a) reconciliation of net cost of operations to current year
appropriations used:
Net cost of operations 315,921 372 316,293
Services provided without charge by other government departments (4,368) (372) (4,740)
 
Note 4 Expenses:      
Professional and special services 73,526 372 73,898
Total Operating Expenses 269,904 372 270,276
Total Expenses 324,184 372 324,556
 
Note 14 Related Party Transactions:      
Legal Services - 372 372
Total 4,368 372 4,740

3.3 Annexes (Available on Line)

The following tables are reported on the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Web site at the following address: www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/estime.asp