Famed Astronaut Chris Hadfield to Headline Canada-Wide Science Festival in Montreal

Astronaut Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian to walk in space, will deliver the opening keynote address at the Canada-Wide Science Festival.

The event, which takes place May 18 at Montreal’s McGill University, will see approximately 1,500 people in attendance.

“The Canada-Wide Science Festival is a wonderful and unique opportunity to bring educators together from across the country. The rich discussion and reflection that takes place when teachers are provided a venue for exchange impacts the way science and technology is taught in our classrooms,” said Cindy Finn, Chair of LCEEQ.

Hadfield is the 2015 winner of the NSERC Award for Science Promotion, given by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. The honour recognizes the Canadian that has made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of science through activities encouraging popular interest in science or developing science abilities.

SEE ALSO: Chris Hadfield Wins Award for His Outerspace Photography

“Challenging these young students to pursue their passions and empower them in their advancement in science and technology brings me great pride. I applaud the Canada-Wide Science Festival for encouraging the achievements of these youth and for celebrating Canada’s new generation of scientists,” said Hadfield.

Held in a different city across the country each year, the event was last hosted by Montréal in 1964.