Longueuil, Quebec, Wednesday, December 19, 2012

What a thrill it is to be here at the Canadian Space Agency for this historic launch!

I have been looking forward to this since my visit to the Agency one year ago. Space missions are literally years in the making, so at the outset I would like to thank and congratulate everyone who has contributed to this effort.

As governor general, it gives me great pride to think that, in just a few months’ time, Chris Hadfield will make history as the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station. As you know, he will also perform scientific experiments, operate Canadarm2 and perform robotics tasks while in orbit.

All things considered, I think we can say that Chris Hadfield and the Canadian Space Agency are making major contributions to this international mission.

I also want to say how pleased I am that Mr. Hadfield will be bringing with him, Eddy, the viceregal lion!

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Eddy, he’s the mascot for our Eduzone online educational resource. Eduzone launched earlier this year as a tool for students and teachers to learn more about the role, responsibilities and history of the office of governor general, as well as the two official residences. We’re very excited to be part of this mission.

One of the priorities of my mandate is to encourage learning and innovation in Canada, and I know Chris Hadfield shares this passion, having spent much of his career speaking to students on the importance of pursuing their education.

Of course, Chris Hadfield is just one of a number of Canadian astronauts who have advanced our efforts in space and our learning here in Canada. I am delighted to be here with Steve MacLean, David Saint-Jacques and Robert Thirsk today, and to salute their contributions to our shared quest for knowledge.

Your presence reminds us that space science and exploration is by nature a collaborative effort in which one discovery builds upon the next.

A space mission is also a wonderful example of international co-operation, as evidenced by today’s launch from Kazakhstan aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. Truly, you are all practitioners of what I like to call the diplomacy of knowledge, defined as our ability to share knowledge and learning across disciplines and borders—even beyond the ends of the Earth!

On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my best wishes for a safe and successful mission.

Thank you.