Mr. Speaker, astronomy in Quebec is world renowned. The Observatoire du Mont Mégantic bears witness to Quebec's knowledge in the field—world class expertise, achieved in partnership with its universities.
I commend all the pioneers of Quebec astronomy and astrophysics, including Mr. Racine, who have made the Mont-Mégantic astrolabe a scientific research centre that responds to the aspirations of Quebeckers.
To keep its research at the leading edge and to uphold the prestige of its institutions, this sector needs proper long-term funding. The Bloc Québécois urges the federal government to support the long-term plan of the Coalition for Astronomy in the next budget in order to help astronomy flourish and retain its position as one of the world's best.