Advocacy

The Association has been involved in various activities to foster and promote astronomical research in Canada. Generally, the Executive Director, the Chair of the BOM and the Chair of the IC work together to ensure that the interests of the association are being represented.

ACURA has been involved in the Coalition for Canadian Astronomy, a partnership consisting of CASCA, ACURA and industrial representatives that advocates for the long-term health of astronomy in Canada. Starting in October 2004, the Coalition has been involved in an effort to secure support for the next seven years of the Astronomy Long Range Plan. The Coalition has prepared the following documents:

A "background" document describing the current status of the LRP.
A "score-card" showing the successful implementation of the first stages of the LRP.
A list of the projects identified in the MTR of the LRP, and their approximate costs on a year-by-year basis.