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2022 National Forum on Earth Observation

Overview

Summary

This event will bring together Canadian stakeholders from industry, academia, Indigenous communities and government in order to assess current Earth observation (EO) undertakings and discuss the next steps for satellite EO in Canada.

Key speakers:

  • Chief Cody Diabo, Mohawk Council of Kahnawake
  • Karen St. Germain, Director, Earth Science Division, NASA
  • Mauro Facchini, Head of Copernicus Unit, European Commission
  • Brian Gallant, CEO, Space Canada
  • Mike Mueller, President & CEO, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
  • Lisa Campbell, President, Canadian Space Agency
  • Jeremy Hansen, CSA astronaut

Detailed description

The National Forum on Earth Observation will be held from to at the Canadian Space Agency's John H. Chapman Space Centre in Longueuil, Quebec, and virtually.

The program will include plenary sessions and workshops.

In preparation, we are undertaking a number of consultations with several stakeholder communities via preparatory meetings. The results will be discussed during the Forum.

The last EO Forum took place in . It brought together more than 200 participants from the Canadian EO community, representing federal and provincial governmental departments, academia, and industry.

Objectives

Key dates

Date Milestone Deadline
Registration for in-person participation
Registration for virtual participation
to National EO Forum N/A

Schedule overview

Please click on the name of the session or workshop to join the meeting.

Schedule for October 4, 2022
Time Activity
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (ET)

Registration & security

We must wear a medical mask while circulating inside of the building and when it is difficult to maintain a two-metre physical distancing (for example in elevators, entrances, hallways, stairwells and other common areas).

Masks can be removed when two-metre physical distancing can be maintained at a workstation or in a conference room. Masks are not required outdoors.

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (ET)

Opening session

  • Greetings Address by Chief Cody Diabo, Mohawk Council of Kahnawake
  • Welcoming remarks: Lisa Campbell, President, Canadian Space Agency / Frank Des Rosiers, ADM, NRCan / Diane Campbell, ADM, ECCC
  • "Telescopes & poetry, the gift of Indigenous complexity science", by Melanie Goodchild (Anishinaabe moose clan), University of Waterloo
  • Keynote address by Karen St. Germain, NASA
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (ET)

Health break

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (ET)

Plenary Day 1

Earth observation in Canada: the Strategy in action

David Harper
Director General, Monitoring and Data Services
GEO Principal for Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada

Éric Laliberté
Director General, Space Utilization
Canadian Space Agency

Mathieu Benoit
Director, Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation
Natural Resources Canada

Mike Mueller
President & CEO
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada

Gordon Staples
Treasurer
Canadian Remote Sensing Society

This initial plenary session is meant to highlight the work that has been done since , and to introduce the topics that will be covered over the duration of the Forum.

The focus of this session is to:

  • present Canada's new satellite Earth observation (SEO) strategy;
  • present recent funding announcements that support the Strategy's objectives;
  • present the status of a variety of proposed and funded initiatives underway across the Government of Canada; and
  • discuss how to move towards continual engagement with EO communities.
12:30 p.m. – 13:30 p.m. (ET)

Lunch

13:30 p.m. – 15:00 p.m. (ET)

Workshop 1

Collective efforts to enhance EO capabilities and the provision of solutions and services from partnerships

Taryn Tomlinson
Senior Engineer
Director, Sun-Earth System Sciences division
Canadian Space Agency

Véronique Hiriart-Baer
Executive Director, Watershed Hydrology & Ecology Research division
Environment and Climate Change Canada

Fraser Davidson
A/Manager
Environment and Climate Change Canada

Nicolas Martinez
Project Manager
Statistics Canada

Cooperation, coordination and collaboration with partners, internal and external to government, is key to a robust and sustained EO sector – one that contributes to science excellence, innovation and economic growth. Canada's Strategy for Satellite Earth Observation: Resourceful, Resilient and Ready and feedback received from Canadian EO communities highlight the desire to foster and develop solutions from partnerships and nurture skills and capacities for expert development. Join us in a discussion that moves us from co-existence to co-creation and integration as we explore creating the conditions for Canada's EO sector to thrive – from science to service delivery, and workable approaches to inform enriched portfolio capacity, investments and response.

Workshop 2

Access to EO data and analytic resources

Éric Laliberté
Director General, Space Utilization
Canadian Space Agency

Janin Huard
Director, Planning, Engagement, Applications
Canadian Space Agency

Mathieu Benoit
Director, Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation
Natural Resources Canada

Vartan Soulakian
Manager, Policy & Engagement
Meteorological Service of Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada

Tom Kralidis
Senior Geospatial Architect, Canadian Center for Meteorological Environmental Prediction Meteorological Service of Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada

We are inundated with data both in terms of its sheer volume and diversity as well as the information and knowledge it can deliver. But the data must be accessible rapidly and seamlessly along with analytic capacities to create information increasingly in real-time.

National EO analytics platforms already exist in many countries. A Canadian cloud based EO and geospatial analytics platform would provide a customized, collaborative, scalable virtual environment where users can discover, access, visualize and download EO data from key sources worldwide, perform data processing, analysis, AI/ML modeling/simulation and develop, share and publish data, applications and production services. It would embody the principle of free, open and accessible data and provide a powerful networked system to fuel innovation in EO data applications and address major challenges, such as climate change, environmental impact assessment, disease vector mapping, disaster risk mitigation, natural resource management, food security, and energy security, amongst others.

Departments are working together to explore opportunities to create Digital Earth Canada (DEC). The objective of the workshop is to inform on progress to date, respond to questions and obtain comments, views and recommendations from the participants. More specifically, participants will be invited to comment on commercial and academic user needs and requirements; user access; data access; as well as analytic functions.

15:00 p.m. – 15:30 p.m. (ET)

Health break

15:30 p.m. – 17:00 p.m. (ET)

Workshop 3

Storying the Relationship Between Indigenous Wisdom and Earth Observation

Melanie Goodchild
Anishinaabe moose clan
University of Waterloo

Guy Aubé
Program Manager, Space Utilization / Communications and Public Affairs
Canadian Space Agency

Cindy Schmidt
Associate Program Manager, Applied Science
Ecological Forecasting program
NASA

Dirk Werle
Senior Earth Observation Advisor
Canadian Space Agency

Empowering Indigenous communities to create and use EO applications that support decision making is of vital importance and reflected in Canada's new Strategy for Satellite Earth Observation. In the context of the EO Forum, we want to explore pathways for future work of linking traditional knowledge and EO capabilities. This workshop relies on the cultural, relational methodology of storying and yarning among participants to relate EO approaches and geospatial wisdom of indigenous communities. Participants are welcome to join Anishinaabe scholar and practitioner Melanie Goodchild and her co-chairs from CSA and NASA on a collective wisdom journey. Melanie has been taught the protocols to steward a yarn. The cultural practice of 'having a yarn' or 'yarning' is a gift from our Aboriginal relatives in Australia. We invite everyone to discuss the relationality of EO and Indigenous communities.

Workshop 4

Getting the big picture: Earth observation and the future of biodiversity monitoring and management

Yves Crevier
A/Manager, smartEarth
Canadian Space Agency

Jason Duffe
Geomatics Research Manager
Environment and Climate Change Canada

Andrew Gonzalez
Professor, Department of Biology
McGill University

Laura Pollock
Professor, Department of Biology
McGill University

François Soulard
Section Chief
Statistics Canada

The purpose of this workshop is to exchange information on the Canadian biodiversity sector ecosystem's priorities to guide a future investment under the CSA's smartEarth program. It also seeks to introduce the SEO community to the biodiversity sector's various facets, composition, interactions, thematic priorities and gaps. This workshop is a first step towards the joint CSA/ECCC support for space-based innovative developments for the advancement of the national biodiversity sector ecosystem.

17:00 p.m. – 17:15 p.m. (ET)

Takeaways – Day 1

David Harper
Director General, Monitoring and Data Services
GEO Principal for Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada

Chief Cody Diabo, Mohawk Council of Kahnawake

18:30 p.m. – 20:30 p.m. (ET)

Networking reception (Alt Hotel, Quartier Dix30) No transportation provided

Schedule for October 5, 2022
Time Activity
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (ET)

Registration & security

We must wear a medical mask while circulating inside of the building and when it is difficult to maintain a two-metre physical distancing (for example in elevators, entrances, hallways, stairwells and other common areas).

Masks can be removed when two-metre physical distancing can be maintained at a workstation or in a conference room. Masks are not required outdoors.

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (ET)

(Health break at 10:30 a.m.)

Plenary Day 2

How can we achieve sustainability of EO observation, and the expansion of capabilities?

Eric Dubuc
Senior Engineer, Project Management
Canadian Space Agency

Mathieu Benoit
Director, Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation
Natural Resources Canada

Shannon Kaya
Director – Transformation, Innovation and Engineering division
Environment and Climate Change Canada

Jim Drummond
Professor, Department of Physics
University of Toronto

Andrew Davidson
Manager, Earth Observation
Agriculture Agri-Food Canada

Guennadi Kroupnik
Executive Director, Space Exploitation
Canadian Space Agency

Pascal Matte
Scientific Researcher
Environment and Climate Change Canada

Kaley Walker
Professor, Department of Physics
University of Toronto

John Bowers
Remote Sensing Specialist
MDA

Helena van Mierlo
Manager, Sun-Earth System Sciences Program
Canadian Space Agency

With infinite time and resources, we could accomplish everything we dream of for Canadian EO architecture. But since means are limited, the challenge quickly becomes about achieving a certain balance. The plenary will discuss how to meet evolving needs, keeping track of new capabilities, and where Canada should develop, no matter what other countries are doing.

12:30 p.m. – 13:30 p.m. (ET)

Lunch

13:30 p.m. – 15:00 p.m. (ET)

Workshop 5

The role of Satellite Earth Observation in Public Health

Nicholas H. Ogden
Director, Public Health Risk Sciences division
Public Health Agency of Canada

Didier Davignon
A/Manager, Expert Systems and Geospatial Data
Environment and Climate Change Canada

Guy Aubé
Program Manager, Space Utilization / Communications and Public Affairs
Canadian Space Agency

Stéphanie Brazeau
Senior Strategic Advisor, Sun-Earth System Sciences
Canadian Space Agency

Caren Binding
Research Scientist
Environment and Climate Change Canada

Satellite Earth Observation (SEO) data are increasingly recognised as being useful for understanding, tracking, predicting and managing public health threats, with applications from infectious, chronic diseases to water quality and air quality. The risk of disease emergence increases with a wide range of conditions such as those associated with human, animal, climate/weather and environmental factors. Growing awareness of the complex but causal interactions between these conditions has motivated professionals across a wide range of sectors to adopt the One Health approach which promotes cross-sector collaboration. In this spirit, this workshop is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the Earth observation sectors and the emerging public health sector in this field. The results of the workshop will help identify existing challenges in the Canadian context and the conditions necessary for the development of public health services using SEO data.

Workshop 6

Future of the regulatory framework for space

Ian Hobler
Manager, Regulatory Modernization
Canadian Space Agency

Eleonora Agnew
Manager, International & Regulatory Affairs
Canadian Space Agency

Estelle Chou
Senior Policy and Licensing Officer
Global Affairs Canada

This workshop will introduce the Government's commitment to a modern regulatory framework, and inform stakeholders of the work underway to fulfill the Space Strategy commitment to review the regulatory framework for space.

15:00 p.m. – 15;30 p.m. (ET)

Health break

15:30 p.m. – 17:00 p.m. (ET)

Workshop 7

Earth Observations to inform Climate Action

Shannon Kaya
Director – Transformation, Innovation and Engineering division
Environment and Climate Change Canada

Christopher Jennings
Director, Climate Change impacts & Adaptation division
Natural Resources Canada

Taryn Tomlinson
Senior Engineer
Director, Sun-Earth System Sciences division
Canadian Space Agency

Adam Keith
Affiliate Principal Advisor
Euroconsult

Steve Ramage
Chief Engagement Officer
Group on Earth Observation (GEO)

Kimberly Strong
Professor & Chair, Department of Physics
University of Toronto

EO is a recognized effective S&T used to monitor climate change actions and impacts by acquiring data on our earth, oceans and atmosphere to inform policy and decision making. This workshop will bring together experts in climate change and EO from industry, academia and government to share their perspectives, challenges and vision forward.

Workshop 8

Canadian participation and cooperation in the international EO sector

Host:
Eleonora Agnew
Manager, International & Regulatory Affairs
Canadian Space Agency

Panelists:
David Harper
Director General, Monitoring and Data Services
GEO Principal for Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada

Daniel Schulten
Director Business Development
Airbus

Eric Choi
Director, Business Development
GHGSat Inc.

Ewan Reid
President & CEO
Mission Control

Canadian participation in international EO fora, and engagement with key international EO partners, contributes to an efficient Canadian EO service delivery model by strengthening cooperation, promoting Canadian capabilities, enabling innovation and creating opportunities for new markets. This workshop will provide an overview on Canada's role and activities internationally, will allow participants to share experiences and perspectives, and seek input on Canada's needs and priority areas in the international EO sector.

17:00 p.m. – 17:15 p.m. (ET)

Takeaways – Day 2

Éric Laliberté
Director General, Space Utilization
Canadian Space Agency

Schedule for October 6, 2022
Time Activity
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (ET)

Registration & security

We must wear a medical mask while circulating inside of the building and when it is difficult to maintain a two-metre physical distancing (for example in elevators, entrances, hallways, stairwells and other common areas).

Masks can be removed when two-metre physical distancing can be maintained at a workstation or in a conference room. Masks are not required outdoors.

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (ET)

(Health break at 10:30 a.m.)

Plenary Day 3

How can Canada take advantage of the increasing commercialization of EO research and innovation?

Brian Gallant
President & CEO
Space Canada

Yves Crevier
A/Manager, smartEarth
Canadian Space Agency

Desmond Power
Vice President, Remote Sensing
C-Core

David Arthurs
Managing Director
Polar View

Mauro Facchini
Head of Copernicus Unit
European Commission

Christian Nadeau
Executive Director, Earth Observation
Effigis

Jason Suwala
Director, Digital Solutions
Hatfield Consultants

In recent years, EO has experienced key disruptions, which unlocked potential for new growth. Evolution in demand patterns (paired with a shift in the supply) are increasingly dictating market trends. Among other things, there is increasing demand for high-resolution data, the number of launched commercial payloads is growing year after year, and downstream markets around the world are growing. At the same time, research missions are still needed for scientific work. How can the EO community improve synergies between 1) the needs of a public sector whose mandate is to serve Canadians, 2) industry looking to grow in size and create jobs, and 3) academia looking to increase its research activities and contribute to technology development?

12:30 p.m. – 14:00 p.m. (ET)

Lunch

14:00 p.m. – 15:30 p.m. (ET)

Plenary wrap-up session

Session Facilitated by:
Noah Redler
Founder & President
ARCHE Innovation

This last plenary session of the EO Forum will be used to share a summary of all workshops with participants. All will have the opportunity to contribute to the Live drafting of an event action plan, using takeaways from the Forum discussions.

15:30 p.m. – 15:45 p.m. (ET)

Closing remarks – EO Forum

Jeremy Hansen
Astronaut
Canadian Space Agency

Recap of the three days and summary of key takeaways.

Accommodation

Be sure to book your hotel room soon!

You can book a room at the Alt Hotel Quartier Dix30. A welcome reception will be hosted at this location on for in-person participants.

You can also book a room at the Hotel ESCAD, also located in Quartier Dix30.

What's included

Registration, lunches, snacks

What's not included

Transportation between the hotel and the CSA, accommodation

Travel information

Contact

Should you have any questions, please contact us at otinfo-eoinfo@asc-csa.gc.ca.

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