Minister Aglukkaq joins Canadian Astronaut David Saint-Jacques and students in Iqaluit to discuss Canada’s future in space

Students at Nakasuk School in Iqaluit were visited today by the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister for the Arctic Council and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, accompanied by Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques.

Minister Aglukkaq spoke about Canada’s proud history in space, including space robotics such as Canadarm-2 and Dextre. She also encouraged students to pursue their education in math, sciences and robotics, like Astronaut David Saint-Jacques, to become Canada’s future astronauts. 

Astronaut David Saint-Jacques spoke about his role as a Canadian astronaut and explained how working and living in the North contributed to his inspiration to become an astronaut.

Bringing students and astronauts together provides young minds with a greater understanding of space exploration, space travel and the possibilities of life in space. It motivates young Canadians to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and math. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)