Former astronaut, federal minister Marc Garneau dies at 76

OTTAWA — Marc Garneau, the first Canadian in space who went on to become a high-profile federal politician, has died at 76 years old.

MPs rose for a moment of silence in the House of Commons Wednesday evening to honour Garneau.

He was an author and a pioneer in Canada’s space program, serving as president of the Canadian Space Agency.

Prime Minister Mark Carney called Garneau a naval officer, astronaut and public servant of “exceptional distinction.”

“After a decorated career in the Royal Canadian Navy and at the helm of the Canadian Space Agency, Marc brought that same dedication and duty to public life,” Carney said in a statement.

Garneau was one of the original six Canadian astronauts selected in December 1983.

In 1984, Garneau made history when he became the first Canadian in space, launching aboard the space shuttle Challenger as a payload specialist. The space agency’s website says Garneau conducted 10 Canadian experiments on space technology, space science and life sciences during the eight-day mission.

He was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada that year, later being promoted to companion.

Garneau made two other trips to space, on the space shuttle Endeavour in 1996 and 2000.

Lisa Campbell, the current president of the Canadian Space Agency, said Garneau was “thoughtful, principled and deeply committed to serving others.”

“His legacy will continue to inspire us as we advance the role of space in improving life on Earth,” Campbell said in a statement.

Garneau later entered politics and was a Liberal member of Parliament representing a Montreal-area riding between 2008 and 2023.

He held many cabinet positions in Justin Trudeau’s government, including minister of foreign affairs and minister of transport.

A statement from Garneau’s wife, Pam Garneau, says he was sick near the end of his life but died peacefully.

“Marc faced his final days with the same strength, clarity and grace that defined his life,” she said. “We are especially grateful to the medical team who provided such dedicated and compassionate care during his short illness.”

Garneau was born in Quebec City and earned a bachelor of science degree in engineering physics at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont.

Several politicians and notable Canadians paid tribute to Garneau on social media.

Trudeau said it was with “much sadness” that he had learned about Garneau’s passing.

“I first met Marc as a schoolboy in the early 1980s,” the former prime minister said. “I was in awe of his service and his courage then, and continued to be as I had the privilege to serve alongside him in Parliament and in government. Marc truly embodied and exemplified Canadian greatness throughout his whole life.”

Astronaut Chris Hadfield said Garneau was his role model, mentor, longtime friend and “a brave and exemplary Canadian for us all.”

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Garneau “exceeded every expectation.”

“Canada has lost an exceptional person — not just an astronaut, but a true model of service and selflessness,” Champagne said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Garneau was “not only a remarkable Canadian and devoted public servant, but also a dear friend.”

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said she was “heartbroken” to learn about Garneau’s death.

“Marc was a man of deep integrity, humility and quiet strength,” she said. “A trailblazer, a mentor and a true statesman, he dedicated his life to serving Canada — with dignity, brilliance and grace.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Garneau was a “great Canadian” and was “a trailblazer and proud to serve the country he loved.”

Garneau said in a recent interview with The Canadian Press that his three flights changed the way he saw Earth.

“When you see that thin atmosphere and realize we’re filling it with greenhouse gases and pollutants …when you see these things, you realize, ‘What are we doing?'” he said in 2024. “If we don’t take care of this planet, there is nowhere else to go.”

Garneau said that, after flying in space, life was “not as intimidating.”

“It gave me a sense of confidence and it gave me confidence to move forward in life instead of playing it safe,” he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2025.

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press