Speaking Points
The Honourable Christian Paradis, PC, MP
Minister of Industry
February 29, 2012
Québec, Quebec
Check Against Delivery
Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Steve, for the kind introduction. It is a pleasure to join you here this morning.
I'd like to begin by thanking the many hard-working people at the Canadian Space Agency for their dedication to the advancement of Canadian space technology. I have developed a tremendous appreciation for your work and the way you proudly represent our country.
For over 50 years, Canada has been an important player in the global space community, having contributed some amazing advancements in space development and exploration.
And I am proud to say that tomorrow, here in beautiful Québec, the Canadian Space Agency will host the International Space Station Heads of Agencies meeting—bringing together our international partners to discuss the way forward.
When I was first appointed Minister of Industry, one of the parts of the job that I found particularly exciting was the space portfolio. I have always been captivated by space. Thirty years ago, I remember watching the first space shuttle launch, and just this past year I had the opportunity to travel with my son to Florida to watch the final launch of the Space Shuttle Program. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one that I am sure my son—who has inherited my fascination for space—will be telling his own children about one day.
Canada has carved out a world-class reputation in several specialized areas of space research—Earth observation, space robotics, satellite communications, and space science and exploration. The iconic Canadarm and Dextre are prime examples of the calibre of expertise and innovative talent we have here in Canada.
And that brings us to today's announcement. One in which we are highlighting two advanced medical technologies that demonstrate the innovation we can expect to find here in Québec.
Micro-Flow and Lab on a CD were developed here at the National Optics Institute and at Université Laval, and theyrepresent the very best Canada has to offer in the field of biomedical technologies.
Micro-Flow is a cutting-edge technology that will open the doors to bioanalysis in space. In fact, my friend Chris Hadfield will bring this technology to the International Space Station later this year when he begins his six-month mission. During the second half of his mission, he will become the first Canadian Commander of the Station—marking a milestone for Canadian space exploration. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing that launch later this year.
Lab on a CD is a highly sensitive and fully automated medical diagnostic test unit that can detect specific strains of viruses or bacteria and perform genetic analyses. I am very much looking forward to touring Dr. Bergeron's lab at Université Laval following the presentation here this morning.
These projects are remarkable,cutting-edge Canadian contributions to the world that will help patient diagnosis in space and on Earth.
Ladies and gentlemen, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary as a space nation, I would also like to congratulate the National Optics Institute and Université Laval for contributing to Canada's science and technology sector.
During a time when severe global economic challenges continue to weigh heavily on economic growth around the world, our partners' contributions are more important than ever.
As you know, jobs and growth are a top priority for our government. We also recognize that maintaining Canada's place in technology leadership is part of the solution to economic growth and prosperity.
With roughly 8,600 highly skilled workers and 200 space firms across the country, we must continue to support this industry and sustain Canada's legacy in space.
That is why, today, our government is announcing that Canada intends to renew its commitment to be a continuing partner in the International Space Station.
With this renewed commitment, we are helping to maintain Canada's leadership in space technology and its everyday critical applications.
We are also helping to build on our proven expertise and to bridge the gap to future international space exploration endeavours.
Canada is home to world-class technologies that have improved the lives of Canadians and contributed to sustaining our economy.
It is clear that Canada has a role to play in space technologies. Technologies that have been an advantageous calling card for our Canadian space companies.
I am very proud of the successful Canadian technologies, such as the Canadarm2, on which the operations of the International Space Station have come to depend. I am looking forward to many more of these success stories, and to this end our government, together with Canada's space industry and I, as Minister of Industry, are very much committed.
Thank you.
