Boisvert, Former Telesat CEO, Appointed President of Canadian Space Agency
OTTAWA, Canada, April 13, 2007 - Satnews Daily - The Canadian federal government has appointed former Telesat Canada CEO Laurier “Larry” Boisvert the new president of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
He replaces former astronaut Marc Garneau, Canada's first man in space, who ran for election in the last federal election but lost.
Boisvert joined Telesat in 1972. He was appointed vice-president of Network Services in 1998 and became president and CEO of Telesat Mobile, Inc.in 1997 while continuing his responsibilities with Telesat Canada. Boisvert was Telesat Canada CEO from 1993 to 2006, when he retired.
Boisvert is a graduate from the Carleton Honours Commerce Program and also holds a Radar Technician Certification Diploma from the Royal Canadian Air Force.
CSA was established in 1989 by the Canadian Space Agency Act. The agency operates like a government department. The president is the equivalent of a deputy minister and reports to the Minister of Industry.
As CSA president, Boisvert oversees five core functions: Space Programs, Space Technologies, Space Science, Canadian Astronaut Office, Space Operations. He also looks after six executive functions (Audit, Evaluation and Review; Corporate Management; Communications; Strategic Development; External Relations; Government Liaison) and three Corporate functions (Legal Services, Administration, and Human Resources). He is supported by the senior vice-president and the vice-president, Science, Technology and Programs.
"Mr. Boisvert's experience in the satellite industry will help strengthen Canada's international reputation as a leader and innovator in space exploration and I am pleased to welcome him today as President of the Canadian Space Agency," said Maxime Bernier, Industry Minister and Minister responsible for the CSA.
"His leadership, experience and dedication will be valuable assets to the continued success of the CSA in developing new space science and technology," Bernier said.
Bernier also thanked Carole Lacombe, who has been senior vice-president since August 2004, for leading the space agency as acting president over the past year.
