Carney praises Hansen, calls hearing French from space a point of pride

Prime Minister Mark Carney praised astronaut Jeremy Hansen during a call with the Artemis II crew, saying he was proud to see a Canadian in space and to hear French spoken.

Carney called the mission “hugely inspiring” and said Canadians “couldn’t be more proud” of Hansen and the collaboration with the United States.

“We look forward to seeing you here in Canada, for maple syrup on pancakes,” the prime minister said from Ottawa.

“Whether it’s in Canada or the United States, right around the world, the example that you’re showing, how to reach literally for the stars, reach for the moon and not just be satisfied with that because you’re setting a platform for the world to go even farther and it’s hugely inspiring in all walks of life, Canadians couldn’t prouder.”

Hansen responded, “I do think risk is necessary but calculated risk. Well thought out risk and risk that you balance with others and so for youth that are making those decisions, just do it, do it in collaboration with others who will point out when you’re over your skis.”

The call marked the third and final space-to-Earth connection organized by the Canadian Space Agency, livestreamed from the John H. Chapman Space Centre in Longueuil, Que., and co-ordinated by astronaut Joshua Kutryk.

“It’s very special for Canada, it’s special and remarkable for me to think about the fact that it’s the very first mission, of all countries in the world, all the countries, space agencies that would love to be going to the moon right now, the one country that the United States invited to participate is ours, Canada,” said Kutryk.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly attended in person, addressing Hansen after Carney spoke.

“I’ve heard, time and time again, people from across the country saying, ‘We’re not only proud, but it’s good news. We’re following because they’re providing hope. Jeremy is actually helping us go through our days,’” Joly said.

She asked Hansen if the mission had changed his perspective on humanity.

“I launched with the expectation that I would see the proof (of humanity’s purpose) with my own eyes, and I definitely have,” he said. “I think that’s really reassuring.”

Elder Bryan Akwirente Deer of the Mohawk Nation of Kahnawake delivered a prayer of thanksgiving to open the event.

Young people selected by the STEM organizations Actua and Let’s Talk Science, as well as Air Cadets, also had the chance to address Hansen in a live Q&A session, concluding an event they say they’ll never forget.

“Seeing Canada doing new things is something very impressive, we knew that our nation can do things too,” said a young cadet to CityNews.

When asked how missions like Artemis II could shape life on Earth in the next 20 to 30 years, Hansen said, “Space exploration pushes innovation, and when we set really big goals, it focuses us on getting things done, creating technologies that help us live better together.”

Hansen also reflected on Indigenous teachings, saying, “Sit with your elders and ask questions. Every time I’ve listened, I’ve learned amazing things.”

Hansen described how his mission patch reflects seven attributes —courage, humility, respect, love, honesty, wisdom and truth — that guide him in life and in space.

His patch was designed by Manitoba artist Henry Guimond of Sagkeeng First Nation.

Hansen and his three American crewmates are returning to Earth after completing a six-hour lunar flyby on Monday, going farther into space than any humans before and breaking Apollo 13’s distance record from 1970.

It’s a step toward landing boot prints near the moon’s south pole in just two years.

Carney has said that, with Artemis II, Canada became the second country in the world ever to send an astronaut on a lunar mission, and that it’s a testament to Hansen’s “exceptional skill.”

The crew, after capturing images and other geological observations of the moon, is set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on Friday.

“We hope that 5-10 years from now we look back on this as a starting point for a great adventure of Canada doing exploration science with partners near and someday on the surface of the moon,” said Kutryk.

Hansen added, “We have more goals, we’re not stopping here. If you think this is neat, it’s going to get really exciting in the next number of years. We plan to get back to the surface of the moon. We plan to create a permanent base there on the moon and eventually get to Mars.”

-With files from the Canadian Press