Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Chris Hadfield on his voyage in space and best wishes to members of his family in Peterborough riding: son Kyle at school in Lakefield, sister Pat Bowlar in Norwood and Aunt Caroline Kitchen in Peterborough.
A Canadian has now operated our Canadarm in space and it will be the prototype for a giant space crane. Next year Marc Garneau, one of our most distinguished astronauts, will be returning to space. He will be followed by yet another Canadian astronaut: three Canadians in space within a year and a half.
The astronaut program is one of the most successful features of the Canadian Space Agency which is based in Montreal but which has a nationwide science and technology network. Our astronauts have inspired students from kindergarten to Ph.D. III. They have had a healthy effect on all science and technology in Canada.
Canada is united in its space efforts. Let us remain united on this blessed portion of the earth's surface.