The committee was studying the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) programs and priorities, with testimony from CSA President Lisa Campbell and Senior Vice-President of Space Programs Jean-Claude Piedboeuf.
Lisa Campbell described the CSA's three main programs—space exploration, space utilization, and space science and technology—and noted that Canada's space sector contributed $3.8 billion to GDP and supported 28,000 jobs in 2024. She emphasized that the CSA was not consulted on the government's $200-million investment in a Nova Scotia spaceport project, though the CSA has invested $7 million in launch technologies since 2017. She stated that the CSA was not involved in selecting the site and could not comment on the value of the lease, but she welcomed increased launch options for Canada.
Jean-Claude Piedboeuf added that Canada's first satellite studied the ionosphere to improve communications, and that SCISAT, launched over 20 years ago, continues to study the ozone layer. He noted that satellite communication is a key Canadian strength and that the spaceport in Nova Scotia still requires development, which is currently under way, and he expected Canadian expertise to be used.
Campbell acknowledged that NASA's reorientation of the Gateway project created uncertainty around Canadarm3, but said the CSA is actively working to reorient the project toward lunar surface applications. She confirmed that the CSA was asked to save $41.3 million by 2029-30, leading to the cancellation of Canada's first lunar rover mission, though she argued the project advanced technology and science that will feed into future efforts. She also noted that the CSA supports the CASTOR telescope project but lacks funding to proceed, and that the agency has not yet presented it to the government.
On international partnerships, Campbell said the CSA is diversifying beyond the U.S., including a historic 400% increase in investment with the European Space Agency, and is in discussions with Japan, India, and Arctic countries. She stressed that the CSA operates its satellites independently from its control centre and that there is no dependence on the U.S., though changes in U.S. policy can have major impacts.
Campbell stated that the CSA values diverse teams because research shows they lead to better outcomes, but she did not confirm whether identity markers could override technical merit in hiring. She said she would provide additional information on whether a gender-based analysis was conducted for the selection of astronaut Jeremy Hansen for Artemis II.
Regarding the International Space Station, Campbell said the CSA received funding to participate until 2030 and is concerned about the loss of expertise if it de-orbits in 2031, noting that commercial alternatives have not yet materialized. She added that the CSA is monitoring space debris and investing in cybersecurity and resilience, as space is increasingly congested and contested.
The committee then debated a motion to rescind an earlier order for documents related to the AI Strategy, citing a cost estimate of $1.2 million to $1.3 million. An amendment was proposed to limit the order to a list of stakeholders who participated in the consultation, including names, titles, affiliations, and business numbers. The committee agreed to the amendment and to extend the meeting by 15 minutes per hour block to complete the study on criteria for federal funding.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors; verify against the official evidence.