Cubes in Space Event – Kanata

Senator Pamela Wallin’s Speech – 18 May 2017

It is a great pleasure to be with you here during National Science Odyssey week to participate and share in the Cubes in Space Canada 150 Challenge. Science, technology, engineering, and math based careers, this is what tomorrow is all about.

In honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, with the sponsorship of our host, Lockheed Martin, idoodledu is donating 13 cubes, one for each province and territory, for you all to compete for a spot on the NASA rocket launch on June 21st, now that is cool!

I am inspired by the many bright young minds here today to participate in Canada 150 activities and to present your experiments – which I am sure you have put a lot of hard work into.

You are the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space explorers. You are the generation who will unlock scientific mysteries that I cannot even yet imagine. It is your innovation and leadership which will drive progress and prosperity for Canada and the world. Each of you will help to build the future – here on earth and in the universe.

But before you get to travel to space, design the next iPhone, or discover the next medical breakthrough – you have to get an education and work hard to be successful in life.

You might not be aware of this, but being successful is not simply about fame and fortune. Rather, it’s about being someone who makes a difference in others’ lives. And I have learned that it is the result of the expectation of it – by you of yourself and perhaps more importantly, by others of you!!

Finally, a simple, but important lesson my parents taught me – although it took me years to admit it – is that character trumps genius.

By that I mean you can be smart, as we know you are, but without being kind, decent, fair, and generous, all of the brains are for naught!

So I challenge each of you to set goals for yourselves and work towards achieving them – and once you’ve reached one goal, set another, and another, until you get to where you want to be in life. Because you all have something that you’re good at, you all have something to give to the world, and it’s up to you to discover exactly what that something is.

Now, I would like to take a moment to recognize the young women who have come out and are interested in STEM learning. Programs like Cubes in Space show that education, in whatever field you choose, is a right for both girls and boys.

All aspects of our country are stronger when women and girls are included and have equal opportunities to pursue their dreams.

Now, I am sure you have heard quite enough of me for one morning. However, if there is one thing I hope you take away from today – it is that you learn that you can achieve anything you set your mind to with hard work, dedication, and a little imagination.

Thank you!