(From left to right) The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, Dr. Roberta Bondar, MP Terry Sheehan, and MP Rob Oliphant. MP Terry Sheehan presenting a signed letter from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulating Dr. Bondar on the 25th anniversary of her historic Space flight.
(Sault Ste. Marie, ON) Friday, January 20, 2017 – Member of Parliament, Terry Sheehan, would like to remind area residents to take a minute and look up to the sky during the upcoming proclaimed “Dr. Roberta Bondar Days” from January 22- 30, 2017. These days serve to honour the ground-breaking accomplishments of Sault native, Dr. Roberta Bondar, as the year 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of Dr. Bondar’s historic Space flight and also marks the 150th anniversary of Canada.
“Dr. Bondar is an inspiration to all Canadians, from coast to coast to coast” said MP Sheehan. “She was Canada’s first woman in space and continues to be a role model for young girls and boys to reach for the stars.”
Throughout Dr. Bondar’s ground-breaking career as a medical doctor, scientist, author and photographer and Canada’s first woman in space, she has received a number of Canada’s highest awards, including recognition from the Order of Canada and The Royal Canadian Mint.
The unveiling of “A view of Canada from Space” silver coin, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Dr. Bondar’s Space Shuttle Mission, recently took place in the Riding of Sault Ste. Marie. The Royal Canadian Mint issued a unique “glow in the dark” commemorative coin and a limited quantity will be manufactured in 2017 to permanently honour Dr. Bondar’s achievements and ongoing dedication to science.