Speaking Points
The Honourable Christian Paradis, PC, MP
Minister of Industry
Saint-Hubert, Quebec
October 19, 2012
Check Against Delivery
Thank you, Steve, and welcome, everyone. You know, I recently had the pleasure of commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the first Canadian satellite launched into orbit, the Alouette-I. And I am pleased to be here today to, once again, celebrate Canada's achievements in space technology. This time by unveiling Canada's fleet of pioneer terrestrial rovers. These terrestrial rovers bring Canada one step closer to developing the next generation of rovers for exploring the Moon or Mars.
Firstly, I'd like to congratulate all of the individuals involved in developing these rovers. It is a truly amazing achievement. Secondly, I'd like to underline just how jealous we all are that you get to spend your days designing robots that may one day roam the surface of the Moon or Mars.
With over three decades of the iconic Canadarm, Canadarm2 and Dextre operating successfully, Canada has earned an enviable international reputation for excellence in advanced space robotics.
This is a reputation that our government is taking an active part in preserving. We recognize that the government plays a crucial role in the Canadian space sector. And that this is an exciting time as space agencies around the world discuss how to coordinate the next phases of space exploration.
Canada is focusing its efforts on technologies that serve national priorities and play a niche role in international missions. We are already looking toward robotic and human exploration of the solar system.
This fleet is an impressive display of the Canadian space sector's leadership in innovation and research. This is a vital economic sector that successfully turns investment in knowledge into a global advantage. And it continues to push the frontier of what is possible.
In 2009, Canada's Economic Action Plan committed $110 million to the Canadian Space Agency to maintain Canada's leadership in the design and construction of advanced space robotics.
Over half was earmarked for the Exploration Surface Mobility project that led to a total of 33 challenging high-technology projects with over 40 Canadian companies and a dozen universities. Another amazingly successful example of government, academia and industry collaboration.
Since 2006, our government has invested nearly $8 billion in initiatives supporting science, technology and the growth of innovative firms in Canada. This funding has helped to make Canada a world leader in post-secondary research and to create a highly skilled Canadian workforce. A workforce that leads us to days like today where we celebrate another milestone in Canada's leadership in space robotics.
The technology showcased here may one day serve in exploring destinations like the Moon or Mars. These models are the foundation from which the first potential Canadian lunar rovers could be developed. As you know, space technologies can take years to design, build and test, and that's why we have developed these prototypes now. So that Canada will lead the world in the development of cutting-edge space technology.
When the time comes for collaboration with our international partners, Canada will be ready. We are ensuring that Canadian technology will set its wheels on the Moon or Mars.
But these technologies are not only useful in space. They also have a wide range of applications here on Earth.
Take for example, the Bombardier Can-Am Commander ATV. This is an electrical vehicle developed by harnessing the technologies designed for the Lunar Exploration Light Rover.
Ladies and gentlemen, our government's top priority remains the strength of our economy. Our focus is on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.
These model rovers are a stellar example of how this government's investments in space are strengthening Canadian S&T excellence, fostering industrial innovation and commercialization, and positioning Canada for continuing economic growth in the knowledge economy.
Our reputation for excellence has been carved out through decades of innovation and technological advances such as the iconic Canadarm, Canadarm2 and Dextre. And it will be carried on through the Next-Generation Canadarm and these pioneer terrestrial rovers.
With this fleet, Canada is, once again, building on its storied legacy in space robotics and is well positioned to remain a favoured provider of advanced robotics systems.
Thank you.
