Another proud Canadian historical moment unfolded in space this week. Chris Hadfield became the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station (ISS).

“When things are going well, it’s easy to be in charge,” Hadfield told students in his hometown of Milton, Ont., earlier this year, via videolink. Last month, Hadfield informed University of Waterloo students, again via videolink from the ISS last month, that he had been training to command the space station since he was 14 years old.

Paolino Pietro Caputo of McBride, Rebecca Lerch of Valemount and Brianna Bossio of Jasper have joined the academic elite, having received the most prestigious distinction of Canadian high school students, the Bronze Governor General’s Academic Award. This is a notable achievement worthy of both respect and recognition. Their achievement will do much to help them when they attempt to enter the modern labour market. However, not everyone can achieve their level of distinction and competition in the labour market is particularly daunting.

Many Canadians will recall with great pride when in 1981 the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System or Canadarm was deployed for the first time onboard space shuttle Columbia. Emblazoned on the arm, for all the world to see, was “Canada” and our flag.  It was a very proud achievement.