Prime Minister Mark Carney praised astronaut Jeremy Hansen during a call with the Artemis II crew, saying he was proud to see a Canadian in space and to hear French spoken.
Carney called the mission “hugely inspiring” and said Canadians “couldn’t be more proud” of Hansen and the collaboration with the United States.
“We look forward to seeing you here in Canada, for maple syrup on pancakes,” the prime minister said from Ottawa.
The call marked the third and final space-to-Earth connection organized by the Canadian Space Agency, livestreamed from the John H. Chapman Space Centre in Longueuil, Que., and co-ordinated by astronaut Joshua Kutryk.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly attended in person, addressing Hansen after Carney spoke.
“I’ve heard, time and time again, people from across the country saying, ‘We’re not only proud, but it’s good news. We’re following because they’re providing hope. Jeremy is actually helping us go through our days,’” Joly said.
Get breaking National news
She asked Hansen if the mission had changed his perspective on humanity.
“I launched with the expectation that I would see the proof (of humanity’s purpose) with my own eyes, and I definitely have,” he said. “I think that’s really reassuring.”
Elder Bryan Akwirente Deer of the Mohawk Nation of Kahnawake delivered a prayer of thanksgiving to open the event.
Students from across Canada were also able to ask questions, including via pre-recorded messages.
When asked how missions like Artemis II could shape life on Earth in the next 20 to 30 years, Hansen said, “Space exploration pushes innovation, and when we set really big goals, it focuses us on getting things done, creating technologies that help us live better together.”
Hansen also reflected on Indigenous teachings, saying, “Sit with your elders and ask questions. Every time I’ve listened, I’ve learned amazing things.”
Hansen described how his mission patch reflects seven attributes —courage, humility, respect, love, honesty, wisdom and truth — that guide him in life and in space.
His patch was designed by Manitoba artist Henry Guimond of Sagkeeng First Nation.
Hansen and his three American crewmates are returning to Earth after completing a six-hour lunar flyby on Monday, going farther into space than any humans before and breaking Apollo 13’s distance record from 1970.
It’s a step toward landing boot prints near the moon’s south pole in just two years.
Carney has said that, with Artemis II, Canada became the second country in the world ever to send an astronaut on a lunar mission, and that it’s a testament to Hansen’s “exceptional skill.”
The crew, after capturing images and other geological observations of the moon, is set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on Friday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 8, 2026.
-
![]()
Chris Hadfield on Artemis II and the colonization of space -
![]()
What we’re learning from the Artemis Mission -
![]()
Canadian astronaut Jenni Gibbons guiding Artemis II crew from Earth -
![]()
How and why Artemis II’s astronauts are taking their own cells around the moon -
![]()
Artemis II mission moon flyby -
![]()
Artemis II crew further in space than ever before
I still cannot believe that a Canadian airline could crash in an American airport landing strip, and the main concern of the Quebec population was to be offended that there were not enough French words spoken
Secondly, now to commend a Canadian astronaut simply because he spoke some French words is ridiculous. French shouldn’t even be Canada‘s second language. Instead, the second languageshould be one of the many many indigenous languages which are not recognized at all which should instead be first and foremost in this country. That is what is most appalling, unacceptable and downright offensive. I know the government is dragging this country down the toilet at an alarming rate, but now you’ve just moved from observed into lunacy.
Oh, and by the way the only reason other officials are walking across the floor for the liberal party is because they are being coerced, bribed, and/or blackmailed into crossing. It’s blatantly obvious. That’s another insulting factor. The fact that the Canadian government canal govern themselves and consider their wrongdoings whether to be justifiable or not, and they don’t have to report to the common public if they don’t want to anymore. Absolutely ridiculous absolutely unacceptable -the government works for us, but now they think the corruption has escalated beyond reproach
Talk about a goofy conversation! It’s all about Quebec and native votes.
Too bad he didn’t understand any of it.
The one good thing about Carney winning a majority is we won’t have to hear him pander to Quebec for at least a few years.
Talk about trying to win votes. Carney is only proud about French being spoken because he wants the Quebec votes next election but then again if he doesn’t get them he can always buy them by getting MPs to cross the floor
And hearing or speaking in English isn’t and doesn’t give a sense of pride?Carney is twisted!!
You’ve got to be kidding me. THAT’S the priority? This is what is wrong with Canada, right here.
Bet that all the aliens that were listening to our astronuts speak gibberish french were killing themselves laughing at such a ridiculous language same as most english speaking canadians. Had 6 years of being FORCED to learn Quebec french in school. Can’t even remember one word of it today. Waste of time learning it way back then.
“Pancakes and Maple Syrup ”
Guy takes a spin around the Moon and this is how Carney rewards him.
Don’t break the bank there Marko,big spender.
Likely part of the reason Carney is so wealthy is because he is tighter than a skin on a wiener.
Meanwhile,on the Liberal Jet it’s a smorgasbord of the finest cuisine and liquor ,no charge to the consumer.
Blubbering out a bunch of virtual signaling rubbish is nothing to be proud of.We could have sent Trudeau and his astronut girlfriend up for that payload of nonsense.
French from space a point of pride?! Who cares what languages are spoken in space…it has nothing to do with the work or achievements made. Stop making things political that should not be.
Hanson is not French, so why would French be spoken? Why is Carney proud of that?
Why was a native involved. Enough of this pandering to minorities. Looks like Hansen was briefed on exactly what to say. Sad that he could not use his own words. – As he is part of a team, should he not be wearing the team patch?