Supplementary Information Tables: – Departmental Results Report
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Details on transfer payment programs
Contributions under the Canada–European Space Agency (ESA) Cooperation Agreement (CA)
Start date: The renewed Agreement was signed on , and ratified on . The revised Terms and Conditions were approved in , and became effective on .
End date: (end date of the Agreement)
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: The revised Terms and Conditions for the contributions, under the – Cooperation Agreement, were approved, and became effective in –.
Link to departmental result(s): Canada's investments in space benefit the Canadian economy.
Link to the department's program inventory: Space Capacity Development Program
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
- Enhance Canadian industry's technological base and provide access to European markets for value-added products and services in the fields of Earth observation (EO), telecommunications, navigation, space exploration and generic technological activities
- Foster the participation of Canadian academia in missions and make possible the demonstration of Canadian space technologies in:
- European microgravity, and
- Space exploration missions and programs.
This is achieved through a financial contribution by the CSA to the ESA optional programs.
Results achieved:
Result #1: Science, research, and development opportunities
In –:
- 110 scientific investigations, research and development or demonstration projects were funded through the ESA program.
- The overall industrial return coefficient for Canada since - has reached 0.94 on .
Result #2: Space research and development advances science, technologies, applications and expertise
In –:
- 36 technologies and applications advanced their technology readiness level (TRL) or application readiness level (ARL) through the ESA program.
- 22 students were involved in projects supported through the ESA program.
- 58 early-career professionals were involved in projects supported through the ESA program.
- 199 highly qualified personnel were involved in projects funded through the ESA program.
Result #3: The Canadian space sector's know-how is demonstrated
In –:
- 1 space mission with Canadian astronauts and/or Canadian content was enabled through the ESA program.
- 9 technologies supported by the ESA program are contenders for future missions.
- 5 technologies were tested/validated and scientific experiments were performed in an analogue deployment or in a suborbital environment through the ESA program.
Result #4: Canadian space sector is developed and well positioned
In –:
- 52 Canadian organizations were involved in projects funded through the ESA program.
Result #5: Canadian space sector is innovative
- Since –, 5 technologies were expected to fly or were space-qualified as a result of Canada's participation in ESA programs.
- In –, follow-on contracts obtained by Canadian organizations on European and global markets reached $13,390,160.
Findings of audits completed in –: N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in –: An evaluation covering the fiscal years from – to – was concluded this year. The followings are the key findings:
Relevance:
- Canada's space industry is reliant on exports and the Canada-European Space Agency Cooperation Agreement (Cooperation Agreement) facilitates access to unique opportunities in the European market.
- The program allows Canada's space sector to advance technologies, develop partnerships, and garner follow-on business.
- An increasing portion of CSA funding is going to mandatory activities with a lower return on investment; this results in less funding available for Optional programs which impacts the performance of the Cooperation Agreement.
Efficiency:
- The Cooperation Agreement is efficiently managed with significant improvements being implemented. These include a dedicated country desk officer for Canada at ESA and deploying an online survey to gain industry input.
- Efficiency is sometimes hampered by Canada's distance from Europe and due to challenges in getting detailed contract information from ESA.
- Findings indicate a need for earlier engagement with the space sector before Ministerial meetings and for program awareness to be improved.
Effectiveness:
- Canada has consistently achieved an equitable geo-return for its space sector from investments in ESA.
- A diverse range of organizations from across Canada's space sector participated in ESA projects, totaling approximately 30% of Canada's space organizations.
- A relative minority of players do continue to be the most active participants, with the top 80% of monies going to 8 companies.
The summary of the evaluation can be accessed using this link:
Evaluation Summary of the European Space Agency Contribution Program of the Canadian Space Agency
The complete evaluation report can be found using this link:
Evaluation of the European Space Agency Contribution Program of the Canadian Space Agency
Engagement of applicants and recipients in –: The CSA actively engages with the Canadian space sector (industry and academia) by means of webinars and an improved online presence.
The ESA frequently publishes Calls for proposals and Invitations to tender of which an overwhelming number are accessible to Canadian industry and academia. These opportunities are presented on the esa-star online platform and are updated regularly.
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | – actual spending | – actual spending | – planned spending | – total authorities available for use | – actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (– actual minus – planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total contributions | 50,152,192 | 47,439,179 | 36,436,000 | 32,686,864 | 32,670,014 | (3,765,986) |
| Total program | 50,152,192 | 47,439,179 | 36,436,000 | 32,686,864 | 32,670,014 | (3,765,986) |
Explanation of variance
The variance is due to an Internal reallocation of resources, mainly in anticipation of the implementation of initiatives related to recent budget announcements in the space sector.
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Start date:
End date: N/A — Ongoing program
Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution
Type of appropriation: Annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: –
Link to departmental result(s):
- Space research and development advances science and technology
- Space information and technologies improve the lives of Canadians
- Canada's investments in space benefit the Canadian economy
Link to the department's Program Inventory:
- Space Capacity Development:
- Space Utilization
- Space Exploration
- Internal Services
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Class Grant and Contribution (G&C) Program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities. The program has two components:
- Research
- Awareness and Learning.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified personnel (HQP) in Canada and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to the CSA priorities.
The Awareness and Learning Component aims to provide learning opportunities to Canadian students in various space-related disciplines to support the operations of organizations dedicated to space research and education and to increase awareness of Canadian space science and technology (S&T) among Canadian students and their participation in related activities.
This transfer payment program is composed of grants and non-repayable contributions.
Results achieved: At the time the targets were set, there were no trends based on previous results available. Conservative targets based on - results were therefore established.
Research Component
In –:
- Result #1: Sciences, Research and Development (R&D) opportunities.
- 327 scientific investigations, R&D or demonstration projects have been funded by the Class G&C program.
- Result #2: Space R&D advances science, technologies, applications and expertise.
- 155 technologies and applications funded by the Class G&C Program advanced their technology readiness level (TRL) or application readiness level (ARL).
- 2406 students were involved in projects supported by the Class G&C program.
- 2662 HQP were involved in projects funded by the Class G&C program.
- Result #3: Canadian space sector is developed and well-positioned.
- 328 Canadian organizations were involved in projects funded by the Class G&C program.
- Result #4: Knowledge of space is advanced through science.
- 141 new, scientific peer-reviewed publications acknowledge CSA funding.
Awareness and Learning Component
In –:
- Result #5: Learning opportunities and outreach activities.
- 1655 opportunities offered to youth (K‑12) through the Class G&C program funding
- Result #6: Young Canadians engage with space.
- 69,506 youth were reached through space-STEM activities funded by the Class G&C program.
Findings of audits completed in –: No audit was completed during the reporting year. No audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in –: The last evaluation of the Class G&C program was completed in the - fiscal year. A management action plan is in place and officials within the Agency are working to meet the timelines associated with the recommendations. Six out of 7 recommendations have been completed and implemented
Engagement of applicants and recipients in –: The CSA frequently publishes Announcements of Opportunity (AOs) through its Class Grant and Contribution Program to support research, awareness and learning in space science and technology. These AOs are presented on the CSA's grants and contributions website and is updated regularly.
Since , an initiative to engage recipients has been undertaken through a survey. The CSA has extended this initiative via its web page in order to establish a dialogue with potential applicants and recipients.
Consultations, presentations to, and discussions with, the academic and industrial communities as well with other potential recipient groups, are ongoing and will continue.
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | – Actual spending |
– Actual spending |
– Planned spending |
– Total authorities available for use |
– Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (– actual minus – planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 10,961,530 | 14,058,691 | 15,831,000 | 14,924,590 | 14,924,589 | (906,411) |
| Total contributions | 25,720,020 | 23,566,658 | 25,645,538 | 25,301,084 | 25,301,081 | (344,457) |
| Total program | 36,681,550 | 37,625,349 | 41,476,538 | 40,225,674 | 40,225,670 | (1,250,868) |
Explanation of variances
The variance is due to an internal reallocation of resources, mainly in anticipation of the implementation of initiatives related to recent budget announcements in the space sector.
Gender-based analysis plus
In , Parliament passed the Canadian Gender Budgeting Act. The departmental plans and departmental results reports are being used to fulfill the President of the Treasury Board's obligations to make public, every year, analysis on the impacts of expenditure programs on gender and diversity.
Each organization is responsible for conducting their own Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus).
The Policy on Results indicates that Program officials, as designated by Deputy Heads, are responsible for ensuring data collection for meeting policy requirements.
Applicability
All organizations must complete GBA Plus supplementary information tables in departmental plans and departmental results reports on an annual basis.
Section 1: institutional GBA Plus governance and capacity
Governance
Since , the GBA Plus Responsibility Centre has been operating from within the Canada Space Agency's Policy branch. The CSA's GBA Plus governance structure is composed of the CSA's Responsibility Centre. In line with the recommendations in Women and Gender Equality Canada's GBA Plus Framework, the GBA Plus Responsibility Centre oversees the implementation of GBA Plus practices, promotes the awareness of GBA Plus and provides advice to the managers who are responsible for drafting assessments, and applying GBA Plus in their decision-making processes. It includes:
- The GBA Plus Champion, responsible for the promotion of GBA Plus;
- The GBA Plus Co-Champion, also responsible for the promotion of GBA Plus;
- The GBA Plus Focal Point unit, leader of Responsibility Centre
- 17 GBA Plus Points of Contacts, representing 11 sectors, that provide advice and guidance to managers in conducting their GBA Plus assessments and review their assessments before sending it to the GBA Plus Champion for review.
Capacity
The CSA is committed to facilitating diverse and inclusive outcomes through its work and recognizes the importance of GBA Plus in achieving this goal.
In response to the Evaluation of the implementation of Gender-Based Analysis Plus at the Canadian Space Agency and the Management Response and Action Plan, the CSA renewed its GBA Plus Policy in . Under the policy renewal, which modernizes the Agency's GBA Plus policies and procedures, the CSA launched a new suite of implementation tools and introduced a mandatory GBA Plus Training requirement for all employees, to help CSA employees better understand and apply GBA Plus in their work.
Human resources (full-time equivalents) dedicated to GBA Plus
3 FTE
Section 2: gender and diversity impacts, by program
Core responsibility: Canada in Space
Program name: Space Capacity Development Program (SCDP)
Program goals: The SCDP develops the space workforce of tomorrow by encouraging youth from kindergarten to grade 12 (secondary 5 in Quebec) to pursue careers in STEM and by supporting hands-on experience for post-secondary students and early-career professionals, including women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized populations, and persons with disabilities.
Target population: Space industry, post-secondary institutions, youth, students.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Second group: 60% to 79% men. |
| By income level | Fifth group: strongly benefits high income individuals. |
| By age group | Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors. |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Available data indicates that SCDP R&D funding recipients are 76% men, 24% women, and 1% non-binary and gender-diverse peopleFootnote 1. This indicates that men primarily benefit from SCDP R&D funding, whereas women and non-binary and gender-diverse people may face barriers to accessing opportunities through the program. Women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized populations, particularly Black people, and persons with disabilities are underrepresented in STEM educations and careers. SCDP aims to reduce barriers to entry and retention by providing equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups to pursue STEM education and careers in the space sector and STEM fields.
In addition, SCDP R&D funding recipients represent all provinces and territories in Canada. Most funding recipients resided in Quebec and Ontario (68.5%), with lower rates in the Western (24%) and Eastern (6.8%) provinces, the Northwest Territories (0.3%), Yukon (0.3%), and Nunavut (0.3%).
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Inspiring K-12 students to pursue an education in STEM
The CSA's Youth Learning initiative provided inclusive educational activities and resources for 122,110 Canadian youth throughout the – fiscal year. The initiative encourages the participation of equity-deserving groups while contributing to the long-term advancement of space-STEM education, youth engagement with space, and careers in the Canadian space sector.
Through this initiative, the CSA is making agency-wide efforts to advance Government of Canada priorities such as a diverse and highly skilled workforce; digital skills and literacy; and attracting, training, and retaining talent. In –, the initiative achieved gender parity, with 50.3% of participants identifying as female and 48.5% of participants identifying as male. The initiative also included participants from various backgrounds, with 3.5% of participants identifying as Indigenous, 7.4% coming from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, and 14% identifying with a visible minority group. Furthermore, 95% of surveyed youth indicated a continued interest in participating in STEM-based activities after their initiative had finished.
Creating high-profile professional development opportunities for students in the space sector
In –, the Science, Technology, and Expertise Development in Academia (STEDiA) program continued to support Canadian post-secondary institutions in delivering hands-on, space-like experiences to post-secondary students and early career professionals. Through this initiative, the CSA has provided 1,844 students with career and professional development opportunities, including space conferences and training. Importantly, all STEDiA activities must include measures to promote the participation of students and early professionals from all walks of life. In –, STEDIA reached 74% men, 25% women and 1% non-binary people.
A leading example of a successful STEDiA project is the CubeSats Initiative in Canada for STEM (CUBICS), which is a unique hands-on experience that aims to increase students' interest in STEM fields, help them to acquire expertise in a wide variety of areas, and impart invaluable skills needed to transition into Canada's space workforce. This initiative also promotes diversity and inclusion through measures that encourage the participation of students and systemically disadvantaged groups from all over the country, particularly women and Indigenous Peoples.
The CSA has also continued to support Q-AISES, which is the only Indigenous rocketry team in Canada to compete in NASA's First Nations Launch (FNL) competition. Similar to CUBICS, this program offers Indigenous students a unique experience that exposes them to the space sector workforce. The FNL competition offers teams the opportunity to participate in workshops led by Indigenous professionals at NASA as they design, build, and fly a high-powered rocket and compete against other Indigenous teams from across the United States. After a first place win last year, the team hopes to achieve success in this year's competition.
Key program impact statistics
| Statistic | Observed resultsFootnote 2 | Data source | Comment (Maximum 25 words per statistic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCDP R&D funding recipients by gender |
|
Performance Indicators Survey | - |
| SCDP R&D funding recipients, by Province or Territory |
|
Performance Indicators Survey | - |
| SCDP R&D funding recipients that are students |
|
Performance Indicators Survey | - |
Core responsibility: Canada in Space
Program name: Space Exploration Program
Program goals: The Space Exploration Program (SEP) produces innovative technologies and qualified Canadian astronauts for important space missions. These missions enable scientific discoveries that address important challenges facing remote and northern communities on Earth, including equitable health care, food production, and security. Ultimately, the SEP contributes to the advancement of knowledge and provides unique opportunities for everyone.
Target population: Space industry, academia, food production and health care sectors, students, remote and northern populations.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Second group: 60% to 79% men. |
| By income level | Fifth group: strongly benefits high income individuals. |
| By age group | Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors. |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Available data indicates that SEP R&D funding recipients are 79% men, 21% women, and 1% non-binary and gender-diverse peopleFootnote 1. This indicates that men primarily benefit from SEP R&D funding, whereas women and non-binary and gender-diverse people may face barriers to accessing opportunities through the SEP.
In addition, many SEP R&D funding recipients reside in Ontario (45%), with lower rates in Quebec (24%) and the Western (24%) and Eastern (7%) provinces. There were no funding recipients in Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, or the Yukon.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Investments in space healthcare technologies and systems improve health outcomes for astronauts in deep space and Canadians in northern and remote regions
The CSA has called on Canadian innovators to develop novel healthcare solutions to support crews on deep space missions through the Deep Space Healthcare Challenge. At Stage 2 of the Challenge, Community Advisors (CA) were matched with the semi-finalists to provide them support in developing remote healthcare technologies that are responsive to the needs of individuals living in remote or isolated communities in Canada. The group of CAs included representation from the First Nations Health Authority, Indigenous Services Canada, and remote health care providers.
In , the CSA selected MD Applications' solution, EZResus, as the Challenge's grand prize winner. EZResus is an application that streamlines the information needed by emergency personnel in the critical first hour of resuscitation: from diagnosis to required drug dosage and equipment. Although the technology was initially developed for use in space, it is already helping save lives on Earth and holds great potential for expansion into remote or isolated communities.
Investing in spatial innovations in agriculture to maximize the production of nutritious food with minimal input of resources
The Deep Space Food Challenge aimed to foster the creation of products, applications, and technologies that will advance sustainable agricultural solutions for deep space exploration. The challenge has contributed to the cultivation of knowledge and capabilities that have the potential to be repurposed for use on Earth as well, since the extreme weather conditions faced by astronauts in deep space is comparable to those faced by Canada's northern and remote regions.
The winner of this competition, announced in the spring of , is Vancouver-based Ecoaction Innovative Solutions Inc. Their ground-breaking CANGrow Modular Indoor Food Production System uses an innovative approach to growing a variety of produce and high-quality protein sources with minimal resources and may be the solution to food insecurity in outer space. As a direct result of the Challenge, the winning team founded two companies based on their winning solution and raised $2.3M in first round investments to expand food production and accelerate its research and development activities. This system has also been considered for use in northern and remote communities.
The CSA has also worked towards enabling a culturally responsive understanding of food production and food security challenges in Canada's North, and in harsh and isolated locations, such as space. In –, the CSA has continued its engagement in the Naurvik initiative, which involves the creation of a hydroponic food production system in a small Nunavut community 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. The system is now operated by the resident Indigenous technicians that have been trained in hydroponics, controlled environment food production and air conditioning systems, with the project aiming to produce a variety of fresh, nutritious foods in harsh environments.
Key program impact statistics
| Statistic | Observed resultsFootnote 2 | Data source | Comment (Maximum 25 words per statistic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP R&D funding recipients by gender |
|
Performance Indicators Survey | - |
| SEP R&D funding recipients, by Province or Territory |
|
Performance Indicators Survey | - |
| SEP R&D funding recipients that are students |
|
Performance Indicators Survey | - |
Other key program impacts
Not available.
Core responsibility: Canada in Space
Program name: Space Utilization Program
Program goals: The Space Utilization Program (SUP) leverages earth observation and other near-earth activities to ensure that Canada takes full advantage of the potential offered by space for the benefit of all Canadians, The SUP utilizes satellite data to provide information in various domains such as positioning, navigation and timing and to those living in areas subjected to flooding, fires, and other natural hazards.
Target population: Canadian public sector, space industry, academia, and Indigenous Peoples.
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | Second group: 60% to 79% men. |
| By income level | Fifth group: strongly benefits high income individuals. |
| By age group | Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors. |
Specific demographic group outcomes
Available data indicates that SUP R&D funding recipients are 69% men, 29% women, and 2% non-binary people. This indicates that men primarily benefit from SUP R&D funding, whereas women and non-binary people may face barriers to accessing opportunities through the SUP.
In addition, many SUP R&D funding recipients reside in Ontario (29%), Quebec (19%), and British Columbia (17%), with lower rates in the other Western provinces (24%) and Eastern (1%) provinces. There were no funding recipients in Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, or the Yukon.
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Empowering Indigenous capacity-building at home and abroad
In , the CSA participated in the Indigenous Mapping Workshop in Melbourne, Australia. The Agency, in partnership with NASA, co-developed and presented three sessions for the event that sought to highlight how optical and radar remote sensing data can be used for natural resource mapping and monitoring. They also engaged in dialogue around observations of lands and waters to explored pathways for braiding Indigenous knowledge and Earth observation.
Providing satellite data to service providers across the country
The CSA provides access to satellite data for service providers across the country. For example, in –, the RCM satellite generated 444,866 images; these images were shared with other government department and private sector service providers across the country. The services provided using CSA-supported satellite data assists the public and private sectors in strategic stewardship of both natural and built environments, management of natural resources, disasters caused by natural hazards, and other emergencies. Many Canadians benefit from these services; farmers can monitor the risk of disease in their crops, first responders are better equipped to manage floods and forest fires, northern communities can monitor fast ice and adjust their fishing activities accordingly, etc.
Key program impact statistics
| Statistic | Observed resultsFootnote 2 | Data source | Comment (Maximum 25 words per statistic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUP R&D funding recipients by gender |
|
Performance Indicators Survey | - |
| SUP R&D funding recipients, by Province or Territory |
|
Performance Indicators Survey | - |
| SUP R&D funding recipients that are students |
|
Performance Indicators Survey | - |
Other key program impacts
Not available.
GBA Plus data collection plan
As a results of the - Performance Information Profile update, new disaggregated data were available for the – enabling some intersectional analysis. Data gaps are being identified and analyzed, to be addressed in upcoming years. Consultations with the Legal team were also done to ensure that data collection comply to the Privacy Act and are ethically conducted. Moreover, the CSA collaboration with Statistics Canada had continued to secure additional data related gender and diversity in the space sector. Based on those data, the CSA was able to set its first GBA Plus target at the departmental level in its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy to .
Definitions
Scales
- Gender scale
-
- First group: predominantly men (80% or more men)
- Second group: 60% to 79% men
- Third group: broadly gender-balanced
- Fourth group: 60% to 79% women
- Fifth group: predominantly women (80% or more women)
- Income‑level scale
-
- First group: strongly benefits low‑income individuals (strongly progressive)
- Second group: somewhat benefits low‑income individuals (somewhat progressive)
- Third group: no significant distributional impacts
- Fourth group: somewhat benefits high‑income individuals (somewhat regressive)
- Fifth group: strongly benefits high‑income individuals (strongly regressive)
- Age‑group scale
-
- First group: primarily benefits youth, children or future generations
- Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors
- Third group: primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation
Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
- Response to parliamentary committees
-
There were no parliamentary committee reports in – requiring a response.
- Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
-
There were no audits in – requiring a response.
- Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
-
There were no audits in – requiring a response.
United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals
Canadian Space Agency
The CSA's planned initiatives are outlined in the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) Report.