Ottawa (Ontario), February 7, 2014 Today the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, released the governments new Space Policy Framework, which will serve as a guide for the Canadian space programs future priorities and activities. The announcement comes as a response to recommendations included in the Emerson Report on Aerospace and Space Programs and Policies for strengthening the competitiveness of the Canadian aerospace and space industries.

A long-term strategic plan for Canadas space program is critical for our industry. In order to effectively invest in innovation, technology and product development, we rely heavily on knowing what the governments priorities for the space program are, said Jim Quick, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC). We are very pleased that the government has released the Space Policy Framework, and we applaud Minister Moore and his colleagues for recognizing the importance of Canadian innovation and industry as we continue to build on our nations proud heritage in space.

The Space Policy Framework builds on both recent and historic Canadian achievements in space, particularly the recent mission led by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who became the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station (ISS) in 2013. The plan identifies five key principles that will guide the Canadian space programs priorities in the future:

1. Protecting Canadian sovereignty and security as part of the governments Canada First policy;

2. Using space to strengthen the economy through a strong and competitive Canadian space industry;

3. Working with global partners to continue Canadian participation in major space projects such as the ISS;

4. Promoting Canadian innovation through our proven leadership in developing technologies such as robotics (Canadarm2) and optics (James Webb Telescope); and

5. Inspiring the next generation to continue building the Canadian legacy in space through involvement in the space program, industry and related fields.

In addition, Minister Moore announced continued support for the James Webb Telescope project, which will succeed the Hubble Telescope as the next-generation space observatory. The project contains Canadian optic technologies developed by COM DEV International, the Universit de Montral, and the National Research Council Canada which precisely direct the telescope so that it can study stars and planets forming in other stellar systems.

Canadas involvement in the James Webb Telescope project illustrates our industrys ongoing contribution to global space exploration and discovery, said Mr. Quick. We are extremely proud to be contributing cutting-edge technologies to this important project, and very thankful for the governments ongoing support.

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Aerospace Industry Applauds Release of New Space Policy Framework