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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
13 May 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the selection of Canada’s two newest astronauts:“On behalf of all Canadians, I want to congratulate Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques on their selection as Canada’s two newest astronauts.
“Mr. Jeremy Hansen and Mr. David Saint-Jacques achieved this honour after a rigorous recruitment process that engaged more than 5,300 Canadians. This is a testament to the incredible depth of talent in Canada, and to the high quality of research at Canadian institutions.
“I am excited to meet these two Canadians who may be travelling into space. I was one of many young people who were inspired to dream of space travel after hearing of the first manned spaceflights. It is a source of pride for all of us that two more Canadians will have the opportunity to build on Canada’s legacy of leadership in the exploration and development of this final frontier.
“I am confident that Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques will build on this heritage and inspire a new generation of Canadians to not only dream of the stars, but also work to make that dream happen. Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques are not only making Canadians proud today, they are setting an example for the scientists, technologists and mathematicians of the future.”
