Government of Canada announces new president for the Canadian Space Agency
OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 4, 2026 /CNW/ — Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced that the Government of Canada has appointed Alexander MacDonald as president of the Canadian Space Agency. He succeeds Lisa Campbell, who has served as president of the agency since 2020.
Alexander MacDonald is an internationally recognized space policy and economics expert with more than two decades of experience in the space sector. Most recently, he served as the first chief economist at NASA, where he helped establish the agency’s Moon to Mars strategy and Artemis program. Throughout his career, he has held a number of senior leadership roles at NASA, including senior economic advisor in the Office of the Administrator and founding program executive of the Emerging Space Office.
Alexander MacDonald holds degrees from Queen’s University, the University of British Columbia and the University of Oxford. He is also an award-winning author and was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 2024.
This appointment was made after an open, competency-based selection process.
Quotes
“I am pleased to welcome Alexander MacDonald as president of the Canadian Space Agency. He brings to the position extensive leadership experience, deep expertise in space policy and economics, and a strong understanding that space is crucial to our national and economic security. With this background, he is perfectly suited to lead the agency in advancing innovation, scientific discovery and economic growth through space exploration and sovereign capability development. I would also like to thank Lisa Campbell for her outstanding leadership of the agency over the past six years, as well as Senior Vice President Jean-Claude Piedboeuf for serving as acting president over the past several months and supporting a smooth leadership transition.”
– The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Quick facts
- Established in March 1989, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is a federal agency responsible for managing all of Canada’s civil space-related activities.
- The CSA focuses its activities and resources on three main areas:
- space exploration – participation in astronaut missions, astronomy and planetary studies, and scientific research in space (execution and support)
- space utilization – Earth observation by satellite and collection of space data
- space science and technology – development of innovative space technologies and applications used on Earth
- In 2016, the Government of Canada adopted a new approach to Governor in Council appointments. This approach respects the principle of diversity and is based on an open, competency-based selection process. It results in the recommendation of competent candidates who reflect Canadian diversity.
- All appointment opportunities for Governor in Council positions within the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Portfolio are posted on the Governor in Council appointments web page as they become available. Those interested can apply online.
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