Marc Garneau calls for a relaunch of Canadian space programs.

He may be a Liberal MP, but Marc is alright by me. I'm all for Canada taking a lead (and not just second fiddle) role in space exploration.

I agree but how many people will be willing to support the idea financially? I would. It however wouldn't surprise me if the government made the funding an optional donation on the tax form they wouldn't be as supportive.

Politicians spend. Cabinet ministers spend. Just try to stop them from topping up a pet project - voyage to Mars.

While I fully support increased Canadian involvement in space (we used to be a leader and pioneer), it seems that Marc Garneau hasn't heard about "Northern Light"..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_L ... cecraft%29

Hear, hear!

As much as the US space program cost, it had dozens of civilian benefits, like microwave ovens, smaller computers, advanced materials, etc. I'm not saying that spending a few hundred million on sending a probe to Mars would generate as many benefits, but it would no doubt spur innovation and R&D across the country.

A project that has little benefit to their riding and would be a magnet for criticism, ie "why are we going to Mars when we need health care/military equipment/lower taxes, etc.

Unless we get multi-party support it would be a political football.

Now if we could get private enterprise on board (like Branson's Virgin Space aspirations) who knows.

How much would Mars incorporated pay to have a big logo painted on the spaceship?

What the Federal government needs to do is "reallocate" financial resources. The CBC is better funded than our space program. Spin off the CBC into a private corp, reallocate the funds to the CSA, and boom we've the CSA's budget.

We'd be sending robot probes into the solar system in no time.

As to whether I'd contribute personally, I'd chip half a grand or so come income tax refund time if their plan was ambitious enough (I wouldn't pony up cash for LEO satellites or ISS robotic arms).

The solar system, space, that's where the future is.

Zefram Cochrane Vs Emory Erickson.

That battle will decide the future.

What the Federal government needs to do is "reallocate" financial resources. The CBC is better funded than our space program. Spin off the CBC into a private corp, reallocate the funds to the CSA, and boom we've the CSA's budget.

We'd be sending robot probes into the solar system in no time.

As to whether I'd contribute personally, I'd chip half a grand or so come income tax refund time if their plan was ambitious enough (I wouldn't pony up cash for LEO satellites or ISS robotic arms).

The solar system, space, that's where the future is.

I have a better idea; instead of continually harping on the CBC which actually has many benefits? How about we (Ontario, Quebec and others) stop funding non-secular schools and activities and change the tax schemes and tax brackets by introducing a flat tax of 15% and tax the oil companies that continue to bring it record profits?

Space travel is two, maybe three species away. In the mean time humans will grind the volcanic crust of the planet for minerals. The grinding the crust is less energy demanding than moving things around in the solar system.

D.D. Harriman wins.

Roman Catholics are legally protected.

Go after the CBC, its easier.

Tax the oil companies? Sure, its not as if they can outsource our oil production to China.

So change the law.



For someone like you, maybe.



Doesn't matter. As it stands, the largest and most corrupt corporate entities are still allowed to get away with lax tax laws while raking in record profits. It's ludicrous.

The law being the Constitution Act of 1982.

Good luck trying to amend that.



And what am I like? I'm dying to hear this one.



You're preaching to choir here.