posted 05-08-2013 12:34 PM               

Canadian Astronaut Julie Payette Assuming New Challenges

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) offers its congratulations to Astronaut Julie Payette as she assumes the challenging role of Chief Operating Officer of the Montreal Science Centre as well as Vice President of the Canada Lands Company as of mid-July.

"Over the past twenty years, through two space missions, Julie Payette has led a distinguished career in service to Canada and all Canadians", said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the CSA. "Since her selection in 1992 from among a field of 5330 candidates, as a member of Canada's Astronaut Corps, Julie Payette has showcased Canadian expertise, Canadian Science and Canadian Technology to the world, while at the same time, inspiring our youth to pursue advanced studies and careers in the sciences and engineering".

During her impressive career CSA Astronaut Julie Payette flew two missions aboard the U.S. Space Shuttle to the International Space Station (ISS).

As a mission specialist, Julie Payette flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery from May 27 to June 6, 1999 on STS-96. During the mission, the crew performed the first manual docking of the Shuttle and delivered four tons of supplies to the ISS. Ms. Payette was responsible for the Station systems, supervised the space walk and operated the Canadarm robotic arm. Julie Payette was the first Canadian to participate in an ISS assembly mission and to board the ISS.

From July 15 to 31, 2009, Julie Payette served as flight engineer on the crew of STS-127 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on the 29th Shuttle mission to the ISS. During this mission the crew completed the construction of the Japanese Kibo Experiment Module, installed scientific experiments on its external science platform and delivered critical spare parts and replacement batteries to the orbital complex. Robotics technology was used extensively on this assembly mission and Ms. Payette operated all three robotic arms – the Space Shuttle's Canadarm, the Station's Canadarm2, and a special-purpose Japanese arm on Kibo. While docked to the ISS, this mission featured a record 13 astronauts from 5 different nationalities working together on board a single spacecraft. This mission also established a Canadian Space milestone, the first time two Canadians Astronauts: Julie Payette and Bob Thirsk were in space at the same time.

In all Julie Payette has flown more than 16.5 million kilometres and spent 25 days, 11 hours, 58 minutes and 57 seconds orbiting the Earth over 402 times.

posted 05-08-2013 02:20 PM               

Julie Payette named new Chief of Montréal Science Centre

Madame Julie Payette has been named Chief Operating Officer of the Montréal Science Centre (MSC). The announcement was made today by Canada Lands Company, a federal arm's-length Crown corporation that owns and operates the MSC. Ms. Payette also becomes a Vice-President of Canada Lands Company and will assume her new role on July 15, 2013.

"In today's world of fast-paced innovation, unparalleled medical advances and instant communication, science and technology have become part of our everyday life. As a vibrant institution of scientific culture accessible to all, the Montréal Science Centre provides a unique window into the astonishing technological processes that shape our society. Science is fun and science is fundamental. I am delighted to join the MSC team." Ms Payette said of her appointment.

Julie Payette is a Canadian engineer and astronaut who flew two missions in space for the construction of the International Space Station (ISS). In addition, Ms. Payette worked as a crew liaison officer with ISS partners in Europe and Russia and served as CAPCOM (Capsule Communicator) at NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston, Texas. Ms. Payette was the Canadian Chief Astronaut from 2000 to 2008. In 2011, she became a public policy scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars in Washington DC and conducted research on the diplomatic and foreign policy benefits behind international collaboration in large-scale scientific projects. Ms. Payette holds several distinctions, is a chevalier of l'Ordre National du Quebec and an Officer of the Order of Canada.

The role is a homecoming for the Montréal born Payette, who most recently served as Quebec's Scientific Delegate to the United States, based in Washington DC.

"Having a world-renowned Canadian woman lead this institution demonstrates Canada Lands Company's commitment to the success of this important public destination in Montréal," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and the Minister responsible for Canada Lands Company.

"We're thrilled that Julie Payette has accepted this position," said Robert Howald, acting President and CEO of Canada Lands Company. "As an astronaut and engineer, Julie has impeccable credentials. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge which will enable the centre to continue and enhance its commitment to science and technology. We could not have asked for a better leader to oversee this great attraction as it continues to evolve by broadening its appeal to a wider audience".

As Chief Operating Officer of the Montréal Science Centre, Ms. Payette will be tasked with strengthening the MSC's position as both a first-class institution and premier science culture establishment.

Welcoming more than 700,000 visitors annually, the Montréal Science Centre is one of the preeminent public attractions in the city of Montréal. The MSC is a science and technology complex that is renowned for its distinctive interactive, accessible approach, as well as its focus on local innovation and expertise.

posted 07-12-2017 06:37 PM               

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will make the announcement Thursday.

...the governor general is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the prime minister. Trudeau visited the Queen during a visit to Scotland last week en route to the G20 summit in Germany.

The governor general's tenure is "at pleasure," but a term usually lasts about five years.

Acting as the Queen's representative in Canada, the governor general also serves as commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces and represents Canada at events, ceremonies and official visits at home and abroad.

posted 07-13-2017 08:03 PM               

The installation ceremony for Ms. Payette will take place in the fall.

Canadian Space Agency release

Julie Payette Appointed Governor General of Canada

The Canadian Space Agency would like to congratulate Julie Payette on her appointment as the next Governor General of Canada.

Ms. Payette has served the Canadian Space Agency and her country exceptionally well, both on the ground and in space for over two decades. Throughout her career as an astronaut, she was a tireless ambassador for science and technology. Ms. Payette visited schools across the country, encouraging young Canadians to view science as a means to contribute to society and to our planet.

A veteran of two space flights, for which she logged over 611 hours in space, she is one if the few people to have seen our planet from above–an experience that will no doubt serve as inspiration in her new role. Ms. Payette was the first Canadian to board the International Space Station. She also served as the CSA's chief astronaut between 2000 and 2007, and represented the Astronaut Corps internationally in the United States, Europe and Russia.

As a lifelong defender of the arts, she will be in a unique position to communicate her passion for music and science to the next generation of Canadians.

We extend our very best wishes for success and fulfillment to Ms. Payette and her family as they move to Rideau Hall this fall. Ad Astra!

posted 10-02-2017 11:17 PM               

Statement by the Prime Minister to welcome Canada's new Governor General, the Right Honourable Julie Payette

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to welcome Canada's new Governor General, the Right Honourable Julie Payette:

"It is my honour to welcome, on behalf of all Canadians, Canada's 29th Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette.

"In welcoming Her Excellency, we also honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada. This is the 12th Governor General whose appointment was made by Her Majesty during her 65 year reign. We honour her commitment to ensuring that this office is held by an individual who represents the best of our country.

"Many Canadians already know much of the story of Her Excellency's life – a story that testifies to her talent and drive, and marks her as a truly exceptional Canadian. Her Excellency flew two missions to space, was Chief Astronaut for the Canadian Space Agency, and proudly carried the Olympic flag during the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. As the second Canadian woman in space and only the fourth woman Governor General, Her Excellency has been and continues to be a trailblazer and an inspiration for all of us.

"Her Excellency's knowledge, determination, and curiosity about the world around her led her to achieve her dreams – and in doing so, she showed a whole country that their dreams were within reach, too. Her Excellency's achievements are a testament to her hard work, discipline, and passion, and her work has been recognized with many distinctions and 27 honorary doctorates. As an astronaut, engineer, scientific broadcaster, and corporate director, Her Excellency has proven herself to be a tireless and respected leader, a team player, and a powerful agent of change.

"Above all, Her Excellency represents the very best of what it means to be Canadian. She embodies dedicated service and a commitment to integrity. In her new role, she will continue to do vital work to promote our unique Canadian identity. She will travel to communities across the country to discuss with Canadians the issues that matter to them and to honour those who demonstrate exceptional service to their communities and our world.

"As Commander-in-Chief, she will help highlight the importance of Canada's military and the selfless sacrifices of its members and their families. Her Excellency will also represent Canada while visiting and hosting international dignitaries, to further strengthen our links with countries and people around the world.

"This has been an important year for Canada. The 150th anniversary of Confederation has given us an opportunity to reflect on our past and present, as well as on our dreams and aspirations for our future. Her Excellency will help us realize these shared hopes for tomorrow. Her life has already inspired so many to dream big, push boundaries, and explore what exists beyond the here and now. I have no doubt that she will excel at representing this wonderful country and continue to inspire countless Canadians in her new role.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank Her Excellency for accepting this call to service. We look forward to seeing her fulfill her mandate while engaging Canadians on our path forward and promoting the values that make this country strong.

"I also join all Canadians to again extend our sincere gratitude to the Right Honourable David Johnston and Mrs. Sharon Johnston for their service over the past seven years. Their grace, dedication, and humility will continue to inspire us."

posted 01-22-2021 08:22 AM               

Julie Payette, long at the center of a swirl of controversies, had since July been the subject of investigation after public servants and ex-staffers accused the viceregal emissary and her secretary of bullying and public humiliation.

Allegations date to the earliest days of her tenure when she would reportedly put staff on the spot to quiz them on outer space, demanding they name every planet or correctly state the distance between the sun and the moon, CBC News reported last year.

The long list of accusations against Payette includes temper tantrums and reducing staff to tears.