Former Telesat Canada CEO Laurier "Larry" Boisvert has been appointed the new president of the Canadian Space Agency.
"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 in a written statement Thursday.
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.
Boisvert becomes president of the space agency, replacing former astronaut Marc Garneau.
Garneau, Canada's first man in space, left the post after making a run for the Liberals in the last federal election but lost to the Bloc Quebecois incumbent in a Montreal area riding.
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.
