Former NASA chief economist named new head of Canadian Space Agency
Alexander MacDonald has been appointed as the new president of the Canadian Space Agency, a move intended to bolster Canada's space capabilities under the current government. The appointment follows a focus on space-based defense and international partnerships.
Why it matters
This appointment reflects a broader government agenda to modernize Canada's defense and industrial strategy through increased investment in space technology.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly made the announcement in Ottawa during a tribute event to the late Marc Garneau, the first Canadian to travel to space.
MacDonald served as NASA's first chief economist, according to a government news release. In that role, he helped establish the "Moon to Mars" strategy, which includes the recent Artemis II mission that saw Canadian Jeremy Hansen travel around the moon earlier this year.
"As incredible as this year has been, I am even more excited about what the future holds for Canadians in space," MacDonald told the Ottawa crowd at Thursday's event.
"Space has never been more important for the strength and future of Canada, and never before has the world looked to Canada more for global leadership in the space domain."
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