Posted: Thu, Jan 10, 2008, 8:19 AM ET (1319 GMT)
The head of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has resigned after only nine months on the job, the Canadian government confirmed Wednesday. Laurier "Larry" Boisvert left the post of president of the CSA effective January 1; although his departure was officially reported Wednesday, Boisvert told CSA staff of his plans to resign on December 20. Boisvert, a former executive with satellite operator Telesat Canada, left for "personal reasons", according to a government spokesman, but the Canadian Press reports that Boisvert's departure may be linked to the sale of the space business of Canadian firm MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates to US aerospace and defense company ATK. Boisvert has been replaced on an interim basis by Guy Bujold, formerly an assistant deputy minister at Industry Canada.

Related Links:

•  Canadian Press article
•  Guy Bujold biography