State of the Canadian space sector

President's message

I am pleased to present the State of the Canadian Space Sector Report 2025, which provides comprehensive analysis on the economic impact generated by the Canadian space sector. The findings in this report are based on a survey of over 200 organizations involved in space activities across Canada, including companies of all sizes, universities and research centres, as well as federal government.

This year's report highlights several promising economic trends. It reveals a dynamic sector that is driving growth, generating high-quality jobs, and advancing the most innovative technology across Canada.

Highlights from 2024 include:

• The sector is fuelling the economy now more than ever. The space sector contributed $3.8B to Canada's GDP, which is a 6% growth since last year when adjusting for inflation, and 15% growth since 2019. This means that the sector is making an increasingly important impact on the economy at large.
• The skilled workforce continues to grow across the country. The sector supported a total of 14,622 direct jobs across Canada, a new all-time high. This workforce is considered as one of the most educated in the country, with 74% having at least a bachelor's degree, and the leading occupation being engineers and scientists (41%). The increase in the workforce has also resulted in changes to organizational composition, with some companies transitioning from medium-sized to large-sized. This is an important sign of growth in the sector and demonstrates that organizations can scale-up in the current environment.
• Revenues remained stable but non-broadcasting revenues are soaring. Revenues reached $5.0B, dropping only 1% since last year. Despite this, growth was evident in several segments. Non-broadcasting revenues were $3.6B, the highest the Canadian space sector has ever achieved, increasing over 4% since last year. Revenues in Canada's upstream segment have also shown impressive growth, reaching $1.48B, driven by a 172% increase in space systems manufacturing since 2019.
• Investing in innovation is a clear priority within the sector. Business expenditures in research and development (BERD) reached a new peak of $962M – which is a 156% increase since 2019. This demonstrates how companies are investing for future innovation and growth. Results in innovation are also evident as the sector generated 413 inventions and 113 patents.
• CSA development programs have a proven impact in the long term. CSA development programs invest in space organizations to build capacity in space technology. These investments help us build sovereign capabilities that improve our daily lives as well as help defend our country. Our analysis shows that for every dollar invested, three dollars and thirty cents are returned through follow-on revenues five years after a project has completed. This means we are building critical capacity in key areas that have future benefit to the broader sector.

This report demonstrates how space has become an increasingly important sector of Canada's economy. The demand for space-based solutions that are dual use, serving both civil and defence needs, is expected to grow as technology evolves and becomes even more integrated in the modern economy. The sector is investing heavily in its future and conducting rigorous research and development which has the potential to bring innovative technology to market and improve the lives of Canadians. As the economic footprint of the sector continues to grow, it is evident that Canada has the know-how, the workforce, and the experience required to be a leader in the global space sector for the long term.

I would like to convey my gratitude to all those who contributed to the survey. This publication would not be possible without the generous collaboration of members of the Canadian space industry and academia.