Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

Michael JolliffeCo-Chair, Industry

CASCA AGM

Université de Montréal16 mai 2005

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

Coalition Update

• History

• Score Card

• Coalition: Goals, Mandate and Membership

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

History

History

• Coalition created in 2000 – astronomers, academia and industry

• Focus on federal support for new money to fund astronomy

• Secure support for the priorities of the LRP

•LRP funding in 2000 - $0

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

Score Card: Astronomy’s Successes

$88.826 million

LRP funding by 2005

° Leading roles in ALMA, TMT and SKA/LAR

° 6 astronomers, 11 engineers and technical staff at HIA

° Graduate students 50 to 103

° 150 student and faculty at universities on LRP projects

° 23 Canada Research Chairs

° Direct employment and contracts for Canadian companies, technological spin-offs

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

Celebrate Achievements

• $0 to $88 million in 5 years

• LRP has momentum

• Political support and recognition of the Coalition and LRP has grown

• Enjoy support from all four political parties

• Emerged as a national lobby

• Astronomy will have to lobby for money and continue to build its profile

• Nothing should be taken for granted

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

Next Milestone for funding

• 2006 federal budget – multi-year funding for the LRP

°Get into proper budget cycle in 3-5 or 7 year increments and avoid annual requests

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

Here’s what some people have said….

• Astronomy's star lobbyists 

A Canadian case study in raising money for sciencePeter CalamaiSCIENCE REPORTER, The Toronto Star

“WHEN IT COMES to lobbying for science dollars, this town has never seen anything like the full-court press mounted by Canada's astronomy community over the

last two years. And even though the federal budget Monday didn't mention astronomy, the community's

strategy and tactics actually worked.”

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

Excerpt from a letter to the Prime Minister

“Prime Minister, Canada must “step up to the plate” and commit to further funding of the LRP if we are to ensure that our previous investments are not squandered and our leadership role in astronomy lost! The projects in which we’ve already invested will be completed and Canada must continue to be an active partner.”

Hon. Marlene Jennings, PC, MP Notre-Dame-de Grace-Lachine, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Canada-US Relations)

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

A Letter from John Manley

“I recognize the considerable efforts of the Canadian Coalition for Astronomy and the Canadian Astronomical Society in the development of the LRP, and the valuable advice you have provided to the federal government.”

The Hon. John Manley, Minister of Finance, March 20, 2003

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

A letter from Paul Martin

“The government’s investment is a testament to the coordinated efforts of the Coalition, and a recognition of the scientific and business opportunities that can be realized from participation in international astronomy projects.”

The Hon. Paul Martin, Minister of Finance, Jan 21, 2002

Coalition for Canadian Astronomy

Goals, Mandate, and Membership

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

Coalition’s Goals

• Maintain astronomy’s earned profile with government decision makers about the success of astronomy, in particular the impact of new funding

• Continue to support and promote a single, national, long-term vision for Canadian astronomy

• Lead a new communications effort for upcoming budget cycles to secure funding for the other elements of the LRP

• Engage a broader community of interest in the Coalition’s activities

• Secure sustainable funding to cover the communications and lobby activities of the Coalition

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

Mandate and Membership

Mandate

• Develop and execute a communications and lobby effort to secure money to fund the LRP

• Co-Chairs

° CASCA

° ACURA

° Industry

° At-large and as needed

Membership

• Membership is open to organizations or individuals that are involved in astronomy.

 

• Membership is secured upon a financial contribution that funds the ongoing efforts of the communications and lobby effort. All funds will be directed to cover costs associated with the Coalition’s efforts.

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

Focus on Efforts

• Continue to build on the Coalition’s credibility and influence to ensure astronomy is recognised as a leading science sector for Canadian innovation.

• Seek continued support from the Federal Government for the LRP.

• Strengthen and expand existing relationships with key Ministers, MPs and officials.

• Promote current and upcoming achievements of the Canadian Astronomy community within Government circles.

CASCA AGM – May 16, 2005 Coalition for Canadian Astronomy Update

Get involved – support the LRP

• This is your plan

• This is your future

• Share your enthusiasm and excitement

Speak with Jim Hesser, CASCA President, the Coalition Co-Chairs or your Thesis Supervisor