Marc Garneau, 1st Canadian astronaut in space, dead at age 76
Marc Garneau, a former astronaut and cabinet minister, has passed away at the age of 76. His wife, Pam Garneau, confirmed that he died peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by his family. She described how Marc faced his final days with strength, clarity, and grace, reflecting the qualities that defined his remarkable life.
Born on December 23, 1949, in Quebec City, Marc Garneau studied engineering physics at the Royal Military College of Kingston and later obtained a doctorate in electrical engineering from the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London. He began his career in the Canadian Navy before making history as the first Canadian to travel to space as part of a NASA mission in 1984.
Garneau went on to hold various positions at the Canadian Space Agency, eventually becoming its first vice-president and later its president from 2001 to 2005. In 2008, he entered politics and was elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament for Westmount–Ville-Marie, later representing Notre-Dame-de-Grâce–Westmount after riding boundaries were redrawn in 2013.
During his time in government, Garneau served as Minister of Transport from 2015 to 2021 and then as Minister of Foreign Affairs from January to October 2021. He resigned from the House of Commons in March 2023, leaving behind a legacy of public service and dedication to his country.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to Garneau, recalling how he first met him in the early 1980s and was inspired by his service and courage. Trudeau praised Garneau for embodying the greatness of Canada throughout his life.
Local officials and colleagues also remembered Garneau fondly, with city councillor Peter McQueen describing him as an honest, hard-working, and smart individual who was deeply involved in his community. Former Minister of Justice David Lametti referred to Garneau as a hero and expressed sadness at his passing.
In his role as Transport Minister, Garneau introduced Canada’s passenger bill of rights in 2018, which included measures to protect air travelers. As Foreign Affairs Minister, he played a key role in efforts to secure the release of two Canadians detained in China.
In his farewell speech to the House of Commons, Garneau thanked his family, colleagues, and constituents for their support. He reflected on his time in politics and urged younger Canadians to safeguard democracy and work towards a better future.
A moment of silence was observed in the House of Commons to honor the memory of Marc Garneau, a pioneering astronaut, dedicated public servant, and beloved figure in Canadian politics.
