Christian Paradis to Become Industry Minister Responsible for Canadian Space Agency

The CBC is reporting that current Natural Resources Minister Christian Paradis will take over the Industry portfolio which includes the Canadian Space Agency.

Paradis is no stranger to the Canadian Space Agency having previously served as Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada. Public works is responsible for the agencies contracts with other organizations. Paradis has been present for several milestone contracts including the Radarsat Constellation and the $110 million the government allocated to the agency through its Canada’s Economic Action Plan which was included in the 2009 budget.
The new budget is set for early June with no specific date set. It is expected to be similar to last budget introduced before the election. If that is the case the Canadian Space Agency might see an increase of 8.7% if pre-budget documents hold true.