The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - Your Turn -- Is Canada's Space Program Worth It?

Episode Date: April 9, 2026

It's been a week of marvel watching the pictures of earth and the moon downloaded from space. This week's question: "Is It Worth It?" You have a variety of answers! Also today, the Ranter is back and you won't be surprised to learn he's focused once again on Donald Trump. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

And hello there, Peter Mansbridge here. You're just moments away from the latest episode of The Bridge. It's Thursday. It's your turn. And today's question was all about the space program and Canada's involvement in it. It's been quite a week on that front. But how do you feel? Some of the answers may surprise you.

That's coming right up. And hello there. Yes, Peter Mansbridge here. A nice Thursday. in what has been an amazing week. I mean, on the one hand, we've had the zoo that's been going on in Washington and the impact it's had on the world as a result of the war in Iran. Where that is going to head now with the so-called ceasefire underway,

we don't really know. It's going to be an interesting next two weeks. We'll talk about some of that tomorrow on Good Talk. But today, it's the other thing that happened this week that a lot of Canadians have paid attention to, and that is the Artemis II space mission that went to the other side of the moon and back. Well, it's still on its way back, but it's almost all the way back.

And a lot of Canadians interested, one, because of the spectacular photos, and two, because there was a Canadian on board of the four astronauts. One, Jeremy Hanson from London, Ontario, was there and was quite the star in a lot of the TV signals that came back from the spacecraft. But the question is, is it worth it? Are these missions to space worth it? and this now for the first time in 50 years going to the moon again, which is just the first of what could be a lot of different missions to the moon

and landings on the moon and building a base of some sort on the moon. So that was the question. And I got to tell you, we heard from a lot of people, and a good variety, let's put it that way, of our regular. and a lot of new writers. In terms of opinion, well, you're about to hear. I think you're going to find it interesting. And I may, if you haven't already thought about it,

we'll certainly get you thinking about it as well. So without further ado, let's get started. Lizanne Donnelly writes from Aosta, Italy. That's in northwestern Italy. Now she usually writes from Sutton, Quebec, when she's written before. But I guess she's on holidays or on business or something. She says, Exploring space and expanding our scientific knowledge is important to Canada's identity.

As much as we value the arts, culture, and sports, it's difficult to apply a cost-benefit analysis to justify these endeavors without sponsors. I want to support human curiosity as a driving force for exploration and knowledge, look back at the great European explorers that risked it all to discover the Arctic, Antarctica, the Pacific, and the Americas. Don Whitmore in Colonna, BC. I hate to be a boo-berry here, but I have no feelings of national pride for a Canadian hitching a ride on a U.S. space mission, which has the goal of making the moon an income source for Trump supporting billionaires. When I an article about this, I scroll on.

Yvonne Clifford. In Duxford, the UK, just south of Cambridge. She usually writes from Cambridge, Ontario. Daxford's the home of an RAF museum, Royal Air Force. As I write this letter, I'm peering through scratch-resistant lenses,

sipping purified water, and resting on a memory foam mattress. All technologies, born from or advanced by space exploration. Some inventions may seem more practical than others, but space exploration consistently opens the door to new scientific breakthroughs and discoveries that improve our everyday lives. For these reasons, continued funding of the space program is not just worthwhile.

It's essential. Louis Rischet or Richard in Toronto. I'm so fed up. with American adventures and their oligarch fueled grand dreams, that despite my longstanding fascination with space exploration, I can't seem to muster any interest in the Artemis Mission. Tim Stott in Kinnasota, Manitoba. I've been interested in space and space travel ever since I was a kid

and met Judith Resnick at the Abbotsford Air Show. I drove her around on a golf cart when she was a kid. there. Raznick was one of the first six female astronauts in the U.S. space program. She flew to space in 1984 on a shuttle, then was killed in the Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986. Back to Tim's letter, like most of Canada's accomplishments, our achievements in space are rarely reported on or spoken about in the media or by politicians unless we have an event like the Artemis launch and flight. Hard to keep people interested in a program most know nothing about. Brian Johnston in Whitehorse. Space flight is captivating, but I can't help feeling those resources

could achieve equally impressive things here on Earth. Reducing poverty, lacking, or excuse me, tackling climate change. The practical spin-off benefits of space programs seem vague or weakly argued. I've followed NASA and CSA since childhood and will continue to, but with a nagging sense of guilt. Francois Boudreau. Francois is in Sudbury. The inspiration that space exploration provides to Canadians and humanity makes it a noble ideal, difficult to ignore. However, the fact that space projects are publicly funded, but the results largely used for warfare and private ends, deeply troubles me. Particularly as we grapple with climate change, the collapse of ecosystems, and mass extinctions of species. We should probably be investing more in these latter priorities and secure our planet first.

Don Dufour in Ottawa As a 10-year-old back in 1969, I remember being glued to the TV watching Neil Armstrong walk on the moon. Since then, I have been so proud of Canada's involvement in the space program, and we're exactly where we should be on the world stage. Canada has developed some game-changing technologies, such as the Canada Arm, and we need to continue adding our expertise as part of the global team. You know, Dawn's letter reminds me of the moon landing in 1969, the summer of 1969. At that time, I was living in Churchill, Manitoba.

And we, in Churchill, just like everywhere else in the world, was fascinated by this story and couldn't wait to see what the television image would be like. but there's a problem. In Churchill, there's no live TV. There were no signals. There were no satellites bringing in the image from, you know, southern Canada and the United States and elsewhere.

And television existed, but it was a week late. They used to send up a film copy of the television. programming on the train from Winnipeg. They would get in Churchill. They'd threaded in the little, tell us any chains in the local community-supported television station. And that's how we'd watch TV.

So we saw the moon landing a week late, a week after everybody else had seen it. And it was the same with hockey games on Saturday night. The Saturday night hockey game in Churchill was the one from the previous Saturday night. And there was this conspiracy of silence in town. If you somehow found out the score already, you didn't tell anybody. So we could actually watch the game as if it was the first time, as if it was live. Anyway, I digress. Ken Peloshok in Newstad, Ontario.

In space, Canada punches above its weight, and I take pride in that. But honestly, that's mostly due to our proximity and partnership with the USA. That relationship is changing, but hopefully Canada continues to invest spaceward for science, defense communications, and economics. Though much innovation comes from the private sector, we can't let the oligarchs become humanity's gatekeepers to the stars. Lynn Cote in Ottawa. Hard to judge the cost of space exploration without knowing what we're not doing instead. But if history tells us anything, it's that exploration and scientific discovery

tend to pay off in ways we don't always predict. Rick Beaupre in Calgary. Intangible benefits aside, the spin-off technologies and inventions attributed to the Apollo program alone would argue for the positive. Our optimum involvement is the question. What is not in question is that we cannot be observers. Our innovative prowess as a nation is at stake.

The value of which can be measured by the benefit to the Apollo program after the brain drain resulting from the Avro Arrow cancellation. John Minchell in Comox Valley, B.C., I am proud of our space contributions from the Canada arm on both the space shuttle and the International Space Station to Chris Hatfield's experience on the ISS to now Canada's participation in the Artemis Mission. Canada has always advanced its space presence and technology.

Let's keep it going. Constance Menzies in Naurul, Manitoba. Apart from the incredible engineering and technological feat, this spacecraft goes 45 times faster than an A320. Airbus. The cost is a mind-boggling $4 billion per launch and a $100 billion program cost. Big concerns about private industry taking over space travel fully and the speed to get there first at the expense of proper diligence and safety. It's truly thrilling to see Canada's involvement anyway. By the way, to be clear, those dollar amounts do not come from Canada. The

Canadian Space Agency's 2025-26 budget is set at approximately $834 million Canadian dollars. Richard Favreau in Colonna, BC. As a teenager in the 1960s, I was fascinated by space exploration and new emerging technologies. This motivated me to pursue a degree in engineering. Canada's contributions from Alouette, our first satellite launched in 1970, making Canada only the third country to design and build its own satellite, the Canada arm have been significant and highly valued. Future opportunities exist in advanced robotics and deep space communications.

I hope that a new generation of Canadians will be motivated to pursue a STEM education and a technology-oriented career. Frank Wang in Surrey, Canada has made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy and space exploration. However, to truly be considered a heavyweight in these fields, we need a domestic space launch program. We have the industrial and scientific know-how for such a program. Many countries have launched objects into space, but only a few have the capability to launch their own rockets. Even more exclusive is the group of nations that can launch manned spacecraft.

Remember the Black Brant rocket? We used to fire those in Churchill. Churchill had a rocket range. You know, I always talk about Churchill. You know it's like a speck on the map, but there's so many things happen and have happened in Churchill over the years. And one of them was the Churchill rocket range, which is abandoned now.

But we used to fire rockets up into the night sky, searching out the Aurora Borealis, trying to understand the northern lights. So we had a space program, and there's a launch center being built in Nova Scotia right now. Miss the Churchill one, though. We must have some great nights out there. Don Crabb in Kingston, Ontario. How many of us have mentioned to others, especially non-Canadians, the role of the Canada?

Pride is not to be undervalued. I'm Canada proud about insulin and the telephone still. scientific and other achievements or even failed efforts of any sort are important and the knowledge benefits go beyond the original project. The hindsight given to us by the scrapping of the Avaro Arrow gives us multiple answers to this question. Ben Peltz in Peterborough, Ontario. I'm glad that Canada contributes to scientific endeavors, but this excursion feels more like a Cold War undertaking, which I don't love. Plus this time it feels like America's rushing to protect the leader's ego, whereas China's gearing up their industrial economy to outdo America long term.

The inverse of the U.S. Soviet conflict. Jennifer Mancini in Toronto. Canada must continue to invest in its space program. It provides high-quality, good-paying jobs in robotics, engineering, science, math, and manufacturing. There's always so much emphasis on natural resource development. With issues of sovereignty, productivity, and climate change, an emphasis and investment in industries like space, prove Canada can lead with our values and improve economic growth.

Rob B. Arneson in Carbury, Manitoba, the fascination and hype around space travel is irritating and boring. As our planet warms and literally burns, while species become endangered and extinct every day, as infrastructure crumbles and government, deficit's balloon, when some don't have potable water or reliable access to medical care, Artemis and other billion-dollar environmentally negative space endeavors are poorly spent time and money. Playtime for the privilege should be the least of our priorities.

Kathy Hanley in Brayshore, Nova Scotia, that's, well, it's in Nova Scotia. There are many people in precarious situations, hungry, unhoused, fearing for their safety because of war, conflict, or persecution. The cost needed to propel people into space and support space research seems to be so out of touch with reality on Earth. And yet I too was fascinated by what man is accomplished. When we stop asking questions and supporting research, that would be a sad day.

But we must do better on Earth. Elam Buzard Buzar Jomri Elam Buzar Jammary in Montreal My 27-month-old and I watched Artemis 2 get launched into space the day of and every day since on repeat. We hold hands and count down.

My son is extremely excited about the whole thing, including that one of our neighbors is among the astronauts. Well, Jeremy Hansen is. not really our neighbors since we live in Montreal, but that's the way I came up with explaining nationality to him for now. Vive le Grand White North. Patrick Talon and Loriniel in eastern Ontario.

I'm proud of Canada's role in space, seeing Colonel Jeremy Hanson on the Artemis II crew with the Canadian flag on his shoulder and in the capsule is a powerful moment. From communication satellites to Canada, and Canada has real capability. Investment in space is not vanity. It drives innovation, economic growth,

and practical benefits for Canadians. We have shown we can punch above our weight, and we should keep doing so. Harold Gold in Calgary. As Prime Minister Carney stated, you're either at the table or on the menu. The same is true for space exploration. Much of today's technology has been,

based on scientific learnings from space. Having a Canadian aboard Artemis II as a role model will hopefully encourage more young people here to get into STEM roles in the future. Scott Burke in Halifax. The Canada Arm and our satellite technology is something that we should be proud of. Going forward,

we should leverage those strengths in our defense planning, spending and growing our homemade defense industries. Getting close to our break and hearing from the random ranter. We've got to squeeze a couple more in here first. Frank Adisi in Toronto. I'm not an expert, but the line between defending our sovereignty and exploring space is probably a blurry one. Canada is subsidizing a $200 million spaceport in Nova Scotia

to give us independent launch capabilities. This seems prudent both in strategy and funding. We can continue to lead the world technically and commercially through the research and production of selected space equipment, such as the Canada Arm, without breaking the bank. Mark Lebrun in Milton, Ontario. Today's youths need inspiration. Our world provides a steady stream of messages

that lead to cynicism, frustration, and despair. Younger generations need to know that big things are possible. Even if only a few young people watching Artemis II are affected in ways that inspire them to contribute to our world positively, it will have been worth it. Ian Hebelthwaite in Moncton, New Brunswick. In a day where one wacky orange dude is trying to drive a wedge between Canada and the United States of America,

it's even more important than it's ever been. Our presence in ventures such as NASA, yes, it's expensive, but all research is. Kate Welsh in Stratford, Ontario. Friends were asking, are you going to watch the launch? My first reaction was a hard no. This really comes from wondering of all the billions

to send humans into space to orbit the moon, could have ended world hunger or house the unhoused. So no, I did not watch the launch. But who can resist those images of Earth, the moon and the Canadian that we are so proud of sharing maple cream cookies with his teammates?

Peter Johnson and Oxford Mills, Ontario, that's about 45 minutes south of Ottawa. Yes, we surely should be part of sex. I was almost going to say sex exploration. Well, we should be part of that as well. But let's surely, Peter says, we should be part of space exploration. Some people go to space for inspiration.

Some go to a beach near Dornick, like my daughter, who was in-laws on Ambrose Street in the lovely highlands of Scotland. Oh yeah, can't beat it. I get my inspiration from a country estate, 35,000. minutes south of Parliament Hill. We need to go where our muse leads us, where creativity awaits. Okay, one more before the break.

Aaron Kaper in Toronto. Nobody who genuinely understands how innovation and scientific progress actually operate can seriously argue against investment in space exploration. If there were a box on my tax return, to pay a little extra to the Canadian Space Agency, I would gladly check it,

and I would invite the critics to spend five minutes with the evidence. Well, there you go, that's a start. And as I said, you know, you see a lot of our regulars in there, but also a lot of new writers, and good for that. And there are a lot more to come in the second half of the program, but we're going to take our break first. Then we'll come back with the Random Ranter. You'll never guess what he's talking about.

And then we'll be back to your letters. But first, we'll be back right after this. And welcome back. You're listening to the Thursday episode of The Bridge. That means your turn. And our question this week about Canada's involvement in space, is it worth it? What have you thought of the Artemis II space mission?

Lots of your thoughts on the program today. You're listening on Series XM, Channel 167, Canada Talk. are on your favorite podcast platform. But there's more to Thursdays than your turn. There's also the random ranter, and this being the week of the other big story, which has been the whole Iran war issue, and a lot of the comments once again of the U.S. president,

guess what the random rancher is talking about? I'm sure you're not surprised. So let's get to it. Where is he on our little control board today? That's fine. Here he comes. The Random Renter. I hate to say it because as much as I take shots in America,

as much as I loathe the decadence and depravity of Trump, a small part of me has held out hope that maybe, just maybe, America could at some point return to its senses. But after the events of the last few weeks, I'm starting to think that the United States is beyond redemption. You know, Trump campaigned about draining the swamp. But the problem with that is, when you're done with the draining, only the thickest of scum is left. And that seems like a pretty apt description for the people running Washington these days. I mean, how about those Epstein files?

Look, I googled the term moral decay, and sure enough, Trump's America checks like all the boxes. I don't even know where to start. How about a president who's not content with mere war crimes, but who pines for genocide? Should we invade Iran? Let's ask the Christian nationalist secretary of war with a giant crusader tattoo on his chest. Let's put health care in the hands of a guy who hates vaccines, but works out in jeans and loves to eat roadkill. How about the sinking of an Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

that was known to be unarmed and manned by cadets? Yeah, that's right. I read that one in the walrus this week and the lack of respect for human life, the gamification of killing human beings. It's sickening, but so is calling women reporters piggy or the repeated use of the R word. I mean, America still thinks it's the,

leader of the free world, but come on America, give your head a shake. Would the leader of the free world mock Islam on Easter? Would they set public policy with expletive-laced truth social posts? Would they relish in war while standing next to the Easter bunny? And not to harp on genocide, but threatening to wipe out a 5,000-year-old civilization from the face of the earth? That trumps everything, doesn't it? I mean, if that doesn't invoke the 25th Amendment, then nothing will. But guess what? Nothing is. All of this leaves me with just one question. How is this not all fiction? It's so far beyond the pale, I feel like I might actually need a pale. And I haven't even mentioned the pictures of Christy Nome's husband, all nipples a kimbo. I mean, I didn't even know nipples could be a kimbo,

but Brightside, I learned a new word, bimbophication. But look, there again, it's just more moral decay. It's the violation of norms. I mean, how do you have a cabinet secretary, A, who shot a puppy and thought it would make a great anecdote for her book? B, has an open affair on the government's dime and on the government's plane. C, abuses her authority to spend funds on luxury host. hotels, exotic trips, and vanity projects, and finally, D, has a husband whose kink has left him

totally open, being compromised by foreign or even domestic actors. And look, I listed all those terrible things, and I didn't even mention that Christy Noam was in charge of jailing kids, separating families, pepper-spraying protesters, and oh yeah, murdering citizens. And oh, yeah, murdering citizens in cold blood with zero repercussions. I mean, she might be out of the job, and with Iran, ICE might be out of the news. But the shootings, the beatings, the barbarity, it's still happening every day. But that's America. There were 425 mass shootings last year. It's a wonder we even heard of Renee Good or Alex Pretty. But that's the thing with moral decay. People stop caring. And who can blame them really. Paying attention to it all is painful. At least it's painful for me. I mean,

I'd rather rant about anything but Trump, but the guy's just so in your face all the time, and it's triggering. But the way I look at it is, if you're not triggered by it, then something's wrong with you. I mean, it's the United States, the world's biggest economy, with the world's most powerful military, and it's spiraling into bankruptcy, morally and financially. and it's threatening to drag everyone and everything with it. But hey, if you listen to them talk, they're great, they're powerful, and they're winning. But it's all pay no attention to that man behind the curtain bluster. They've lost the moral high ground.

They've lost touch with reality. And no matter what they say, they've lost the war in Iran. The Random Ranter for this week. and I know I know another rant on Trump but I'm telling you

he's right the guy is so in our faces it's hard to ignore well we're going to ignore it for the rest of the rest of the bridge for today as we've got more of your letters on the space program and Canada's involvement in it. Let's go right

back at it Scott Jansen and New Westminster, BC. Canada's Artemis investment shows how a smaller nation can achieve outsized impact through specialization. Canada contributes intelligence, trust, and problem-solving, owning critical systems like space robotics, rather than competing on scale. This approach delivers access to a massive global program at a fraction of the cost, while inspiring talent and strengthening industry. Chris Hatfield increased Canada's soft power and United States.

more of Earth. Michelle Dexter in Ottawa. Following the Artemis II program is exciting, and we have seen beautiful photos of the moon and Earth. However, I would love to listen to a program on the future benefits of space programs for mortals, such as the Canadian population and the world population. So much money is being spent to offer us beautiful views.

It seems to me that all that money could be used to improve the lives of humans on Earth. Marilyn Wallace, Fannie Bay, British Columbia. As a young teacher decades ago, I told my students that space exploration was important because unexpected discoveries often had valuable Earth-based applications. After all, we don't know what we don't know. But ballooning deficits, massive defense budgets, and climate change responsibilities have changed my perspective. With limited financial resources, these. should be our priorities now.

Garth Wilson in Bowmanville, Ontario. The Canadian Space Agency has contributed immensely to the NASA Space Program, from the legs on the first lunar lander to the Canada Arm and the shuttles to astronauts like Garno, Bondar, Hatfield, and Nowhanson. These people have provided unparalleled expertise in color to so many missions, but more importantly, brought space exploration and science into Canadian households and schools.

As a nation of explorers, this should always be a vital part of Canada. Michael Brown in Brockville, Ontario. Is it worth it? Should we just forget about space exploration? Take care of our own problems on Earth? No. We have to go to space. Here's one thing we know. Eventually our son will die. When that happens, it won't just take us. It'll take us. It'll take Sevin Deon and Gord Downey and David Suzuki and Pearson and John Candy and Atwood and all of it will be nothing unless we go to the stars. Just in case anyone gets too worried right now about the sun dying, yes it will in about five billion years.

But Michael's point is still vellum. John Walker in Toronto. Canada should definitely continue participation in the space program. We contribute specialized high visibility applications of robotics and 3D printing to the program. Chris Hatfield, Roberta Bondar, Mark Garno and Jeremy Hansen, our household names and role models. Continued involvement in the program provides many trickle-down effects for our economy and our nation. Matthew Scalarzik in Vernon, BC. With the fear of AI taking all our jobs, We should absolutely grow our space industry and create new ones.

The whole world is heading to the final frontier, so let's be part of it. The Avro Arrow showed everyone what happens when our best minds are given free reign to take a shot, and our politicians show the courage to let them. I say send the maple leaf to the stars. James Murdoch Flowers, age 11. I think he's the third generation of the family that has now written. written to us. They're in Ottawa.

So what does young James say? We have done great contributions in space. Mark Garno was the first Canadian in space. Roberta Bondar was the first neurologist and Canadian woman in space. And Chris Hatfield installed Canada. When Jeremy Hansen blasted off on Artemis 2, it started a whole new thing for Canada. I saw Canada Arm 1 at the Aerospace Museum. and James included a picture to prove it.

It was very cool. I always wanted to see something that's been in space. It makes me want to go there too. Well, good luck, James. I'm sure with your perseverance you'll get there. Spencer Stinson and Blenham, Ontario. All you have to do is ask a parent watching their children's awestruck gaze

as Artemis 2 lifted off. One day one of those children will likely be a full-fledged astronaut and we'll look back on this launch as the day they decided that's what I'm going to do when I grow up. We need to be investing even more in our space program. Daniel Rossett in Gatno, Quebec. I was seven when I saw Neil Armstrong make the first footprint and pronounce the first ever words on the moon's surface. Now at 63, I bonded over many hours with four astronauts circling the moon. Yet two few people around me showed interest in this adventure.

Why is that? I acknowledged our pale blue dots beauty and understand how our human problems trouble us, but isn't it to be human to wander and to wonder? Eric Van Wiesenbeck in Barry, Ontario. I've always been fascinated by space exploration. I was inspired by the human achievement and adventure of the Apollo program. I witnessed the beginning and end of the shuttle era.

However, I think it's important that we continue space exploration using only probes and robotics. The billions of dollars saved by using unmanned spacecraft to explore the galaxies can be used immediately to improve the lives of so many starving and destitute human beings. Ronald Cumber in Miramachine, New Brunswick. Canada is not a superpower that we know, yet our small population with regards to space, exploration continues to fight above our weight class and win. This continuation of excellence can only help Canada on the world stage, especially these days in these changing dangerous times. Why is this important? This will help Canada to be at the table instead of the sidelines in

global diplomacy. This will help Canada to be taken seriously, hugely important for a middle power. Christine Franson in Dundas, Ontario. According to the government of Canada website, there are many ways that space travel benefits humans. Examining the effects of space on astronauts can also increase our understanding of aging and a sedentary lifestyle. The expertise learned from Canada Arm 2 was used to develop revolutionary advances in robotic neurosurgery. With so much to be learned, we should spend more. Sean Aiken in Whitby, Ontario. I love all things astronomical.

A few years ago, I witnessed the solar eclipse, and it was a life-changing experience. However, I often think about the human condition here on planet Earth. Humanity is in such need, and our forests seem permanently ablaze. I wonder if money spent on moon explorations and on future Martian aspirations should be redirected elsewhere. Avis seeds in Galliano Island, British Columbia. waste of money. I understand that whenever one of these spacecrafts takes off, it is the carbon footprint of a million

new gas-guzzling cars on the road. That may be true, I don't know. I would have been unable to fact-check that. No mention is made of this, nor of what is happening to this planet and climate when watching the skies filling with black

oil, smoke whenever a missile strikes. We are doing enough damage to this planet without bugging up another. Vito Pilegi in Toronto Anywhere that Canadians are doing something That makes the world a better place In big and small ways, I'm here for it

Canada needs to continue to contribute In ways only Canadians can That Canadian astronauts have our flag on their sleeves Well, all the better Rick McKendi in Gatineau, Quebec What an interesting contrast between how three Americans and one Canadian can go into space and work competently together, treating each other with civility and respect to achieve great things,

and how the American president struggles with these basic skills that are learned early in life. I think we should continue to send Canadians and Americans into space together to serve as good models for the politicians of the world. Jamal Teckleveld Teclaveld in Toronto Jamal writes Last week was a treat for our space-loving family Our three-year-old son watched

mesmerized as Artemis 2 launched Space exploration represents the best of us Astronauts accomplish the impossible Just look at their training regimen And their qualifications They are rewarded with venturing to the stars and being generational role models to our kids. That makes investing our tax dollars in the Canada Space Agency

and in people like Colonel Jeremy Hansen worth it. Darlene Stererker in Kitchener, Ontario. While some citizens' lives are at risk because they cannot afford insulin, the cost of space endeavors are given full priority. This would be akin to me going on a world tour while my children were left at home eating thanks to a food bank. Thomas Braun and Ottawa.

The Hancensus Canadiensis named Jeremy is soon to be back on Terra firmer after pointless non-urgent circumnavigations of the Earth and the Moon at about 20 bucks a Canuck. I myself prefer the Hancensus Canadiensis named Rick, who selflessly sacrificed his permanently injured body, circumnavigating the Earth on a wheelchair, to raise funds for spinal cord and brain research. I do not know if they are related. They aren't.

I absolutely know how they are not. I'm glad. I'd gladly hand Rick a 20 or two. Julie Burns in Ottawa. This space mission is truly inspiring. Seeing Canada and space, working alongside the Americans, feels like a breath of fresh air. It's a powerful reminder of what can happen.

and when partners, friends, and allies come together. Watching such brilliant individuals collaborate with integrity for one another and for humanity is genuinely uplifting. Countdown to Splashdown is on. Mary Sassiella in Brantford, Ontario. Of course, great pride in Canada's contributions. They're clearly of value.

While highly engaged in what's happening in the world, I used to keep a picture of the, Blue marble in my office on Bay Street to remind me that in the long run, the craziness doesn't matter. Cindy Zampa in Erdry, Alberta. Watching Artemis II's lunar journey is awe-inspiring for humanity. While Canada's space achievements are a point of pride, spurring desire for growth, a balanced approach is essential. Space investments must complement, not compromise, efforts to address

pressing domestic needs. Quality of life on Earth, including the environment, health, housing, peace, is vital to consider as we move to conquer new frontiers in space. Gene Wanloss in Ottawa. I feel that the billions and trillions of dollars being spent on going to outer space could certainly be put to much better use here on Earth. Why go to another planet or the moon? To make another mess of things?

Let's clean up our act here and make Earth a livable planet for all human and animal life. The space race is a fool's errand. Deb Greening in District of Lakeland, Saskatchewan. If it's true that spaceflight is the catalyst for advances in technology and science, which then have applications throughout society will must be a major player and beneficiary of such breakthroughs. Canada's international profile as space travel, as well as diplomats and peacekeepers elevates our brand to a standard beyond priceless.

Just a couple more left here. Scott Labuss in Blind Bay, BC. I think the Artemis Mission and subsequent missions are something very important in our world right now. There is so much focus on war and conflict that people start to lose hope in humanity. The Artemis crew is showing us the best of humanity and what we can do when we work together.

I gladly trade military conflicts for more space exploration. And our last letter is from Mike Thornton in Paris, Ontario. I know Mike. Mike's a pilot. Works for an airline. He flies recreationally on the weekends. He flies a chipmunk. which was a great flight trainer in the 60s for the Canadian forces.

And how do I know that? Well, because I did it when I was in the Navy. It wasn't a long career. In fact, it was kind of a short career. But I learned to fly the chipmuck, and I graduated off Chipmuck School. And then I went on to twin-engine planes. in Porto de St. Prairie, Manitoba.

Got about halfway through that program. But the chipmunk was a fabulous plane, and Mike loves to fly it still recreationally. But he flies for an airline on his regular job. He's from Paris, Ontario. He wrote this while he was in St. John's Newfoundland, so I guess he was on a flight out there. As an aviation professional,

the only thing I see kids go crazier for than airplanes is space. Journeying through space pushes the boundaries of what is humanly possible and excites people of all ages. Why? Because we need to see it. We need to see if it's possible to prove the theories, to test the math, to expand our knowledge, to progress as a species. It's evolutionary. Space exploration pushes humans to be our best, and Canadians are the best of humans. Well said, Mike.

Lots of letters this week. And you know what? There's clearly a difference of opinion. I didn't figure out whether it's kind of half and half, but it's close to that. There are those who really are fascinated by the space and fascinated by the pictures, but concerned that all the money being spent on the space program

is money that could be spent better, making life on earth better. You know, as I said, I find the arguments on both sides of this question compelling. And that's great to hear from all of you, as it's great every week to hear from you. So I appreciate your letters, those of you who are regulars, and those of you who are inspired each week to write your first letter. to the bridge. We've been doing this for a couple of years now, so it's not surprising that we have some repeat offenders. But, you know, I always look forward to Thursdays.

Shelving my opinions, shelving the opinions of those who contribute to this program on a weekly basis, on our political panels, on our changing world panel, Dr. Stein, of course. And but Thursdays we hear from you. You know, sometimes people write to me and they say, oh, you're such a central Canadian bias. It's all in, you know, you're all in Ottawa or wherever you are. Well, it's true that the program originates usually from either Ottawa,

Stratford, or Scotland. And many of our panelists. are central, but not exclusively. You know, Jerry Butts still likes to call himself a Nova Scotian, Cape Bretner, and he goes out there quite often has a home there. James Moore, of course, on the West Coast, the random ranchers from the prairies. But Thursdays, we hear from people right across the country,

right across the country. And that's why it's important to me. and I try not to get in the way of your thoughts and your opinions. I don't say that's crazy or that's great, although I did kind of say that I liked Mike Thornton's comment at the end there. Anyway, that's going to do it for today. Tomorrow, special edition of Good Talk, Shantelle's away for one more week. But we'll hear from Keith Boe, who will join Bruce and I,

and we'll talk about Trump. About this Ottawa stuff we should probably touch base on as well, and we will. That's all coming up tomorrow on Good Talk. I'm Peter Mansfries. Thanks so much for listening on this day, and thanks so much for contributing on this day. Thursdays is your turn, and you just had it. We'll talk again tomorrow. Bye for now.