Payette urges Albertans to ‘reach across differences, collaborate’
EDMONTON Albertans must work together and rise above their differences to preserve the province’s strengths, the governor general told the Legislative Assembly Tuesday afternoon.
Julie Payette, a former astronaut, spoke without notes from the floor of the house — she didn’t like being on the speaker’s platform, she said to chuckles.
During a lively speech from the heart, Payette outlined her longstanding “love relationship” with Alberta — skiing in the Rockies from a young age, survival training in 1993 at Jasper Lake and “the best hamburger in the world” she ate afterwards in Hinton, a 1999 visit when she and the five members of her space crew went to the Edmonton Science Centre then crammed into a 1971 Cutlass and drove to Calgary, receiving honours at the Stampede.
Flying in space, the planet makes little distinction, she said.
“We share a vast, diverse, spectacular country, all of us, and we work together to accomplish things,” she said.
“One of the greatest privileges that we get when we see the planet from above is to see with perspective, to realize how important and precious home is, and how much we need to put in some work.”
But Payette also had a caution of sorts.
“Things change. We can’t be complacent. I know that you will continue to do what you do so well in this room. You will continue to look out for those who have less,” she said. It’s important to stand up for those who can’t, she said, and welcome people who seek harbour, and use the land intelligently.
Payette also spoke of her wish for MLAs to “reach across differences and also seek opportunities for more collaboration and team work.”
“Never cease to base your judgment on facts and evidence, to be curious, and to ask questions, because that is the premise by which we find solutions,” she said.
Payette’s speech was the third time in history a governor general has addressed the Alberta legislature. It also marked Payette’s first official visit to the province after being sworn in as Canada’s 29th representative of the Queen in October.
Her visit began with the boom of cannons — a 21-gun salute as part of military honours.
Around 100 members of the public welcomed Payette to Edmonton, watching as a guard of honour marched onto the grounds just after 9:30 a.m.
Payette arrived around 10 a.m., greeted at the foot of the legislature stairs by Premier Rachel Notley with a handshake and a “Welcome to Alberta.”
After the military honours, the ceremony moved inside to the rotunda, which was packed with MLAs, staffers and school groups.
Clutching a small bouquet, Payette put her hand on her heart and wound her way around a fountain to greet children, seniors and a small group of veterans.
After her speech to MLAs, Payette headed to CanmetENERGY Devon, and on Tuesday night was set to attend an official welcome reception at Government House.
On Wednesday, she is scheduled to travel to Calgary, where she and Dr. Robert Thirsk, another former astronaut, are set to visit Robert Thirsk High School and talk with students about space exploration and the feasibility of reaching Mars.
She will also visit WinSport and the NeuroArm at the University of Calgary.
We can’t be complacent. I know that you will continue to do what you do so well in this room. You will continue to look out for those who have less.