Prime Minister Mark Carney praised astronaut Jeremy Hansen throughout a name with the Artemis II crew, saying he was proud to see a Canadian in area and to listen to French spoken.
Carney known as the mission “massively inspiring” and stated Canadians “couldn’t be extra proud” of Hansen and the collaboration with the USA.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, speaks to Artemis II mission astronauts, left to proper, Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen, Reid Wiseman and Victor Glover throughout a dwell feed on the Canadian House Company headquarters in Longueuil, Que., Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
“We stay up for seeing you right here in Canada, for maple syrup on pancakes,” the prime minister stated from Ottawa.
The decision marked the third and closing space-to-Earth connection organized by the Canadian House Company, livestreamed from the John H. Chapman House Centre in Longueuil, Que., and co-ordinated by astronaut Joshua Kutryk.
Trade Minister Mélanie Joly attended in particular person, addressing Hansen after Carney spoke.
“I’ve heard, time and time once more, individuals from throughout the nation saying, ‘We’re not solely proud, nevertheless it’s excellent news. We’re following as a result of they’re offering hope. Jeremy is definitely serving to us undergo our days,’” Joly stated.
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She requested Hansen if the mission had modified his perspective on humanity.
“I launched with the expectation that I’d see the proof (of humanity’s goal) with my very own eyes, and I positively have,” he stated. “I feel that’s actually reassuring.”
Elder Bryan Akwirente Deer of the Mohawk Nation of Kahnawake delivered a prayer of thanksgiving to open the occasion.
College students from throughout Canada have been additionally in a position to ask questions, together with by way of pre-recorded messages.
When requested how missions like Artemis II may form life on Earth within the subsequent 20 to 30 years, Hansen stated, “House exploration pushes innovation, and once we set actually huge targets, it focuses us on getting issues completed, creating applied sciences that assist us dwell higher collectively.”
Hansen additionally mirrored on Indigenous teachings, saying, “Sit along with your elders and ask questions. Each time I’ve listened, I’ve discovered superb issues.”
Hansen described how his mission patch displays seven attributes —braveness, humility, respect, love, honesty, knowledge and fact — that information him in life and in area.
His patch was designed by Manitoba artist Henry Guimond of Sagkeeng First Nation.
Hansen and his three American crewmates are returning to Earth after finishing a six-hour lunar flyby on Monday, going farther into area than any people earlier than and breaking Apollo 13’s distance document from 1970.
It’s a step towards touchdown boot prints close to the moon’s south pole in simply two years.
Carney has stated that, with Artemis II, Canada grew to become the second nation on the planet ever to ship an astronaut on a lunar mission, and that it’s a testomony to Hansen’s “distinctive ability.”
The crew, after capturing photos and different geological observations of the moon, is about to splash down within the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on Friday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed April 8, 2026.
© 2026 The Canadian Press