When astronaut David Saint-Jacques arrived at the Canadian Space Agency headquarters for the first time following his six month mission aboard the International Space Station, he received an enthusiastic welcome.
That welcome included hugs from Canadian Space Agency (CSA) president Sylvain Laporte and ISED Minister Navdeep Bains.
After greeting CSA employees in the entrance atrium, Saint-Jacques made his way to the auditorium to talk to the gathered crowd that included young Canadians.
Saint-Jacques has three young children, and while any astronauts mission includes educational and public outreach, he was clearly passionate about reaching out to young Canadians to educate and inspire them, and importantly, include them in his mission.
That Saint-Jacques was passionate about including young Canadians is something that Minister Bains could understand. He also has young children. It’s also an important part of the messaging the government wants out there, getting children involved, inspiring them.
So it comes as no surprise that in a statement that was released that Minister Bains would say, “today, I am happy to welcome one of our space explorers back to Canada. David showed the resourcefulness, intelligence, courage and determination that make him such a great role model to our youth. His record-setting accomplishments in space demonstrate why our new Space Strategy is an investment in our future and youth.”
Watch the full welcome home and question and answer session.