Canada Remembers Marc Garneau

He was the first Canadian in space

QUEBEC - A Canadian icon has passed away at the age of 76.

Marc Garneau made history in 1984, when he became first Canadian to fly on a space shuttle mission in 1984. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) says he was one of the original six Canadian astronauts and flew space in three missions throughout his career as an astronaut; STS-41-G in 1984, STS-77 in 1996, and STS-97 in 2000.

He became the Executive Vice President of the CSA in February 2001 and was promoted to President in that same year. He served in that position until 2005

Garneau was elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce-Westmount, formerly known as Westmount-Ville-Marie, in 2008. He served as the Minister of Transport and Minister of Foreign Affairs under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, before deciding to retire from politics in 2023.

In a statement, Garneau's wife Pam said her husband died peacefully yesterday. She also said he spent his final days surrounded by family with the "same strength, clarity, and grace that defined his life."

Tributes have been pouring in since the announcement of Garneau's passing. Chris Hadfield, another well known Canadian astronaut, called Garneau a role model, a mentor and a close friend of 30 years. 

Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had been in awe of Garneau since he first met him in the early 1980s, and he's glad that he have the privilege to serve alongside in Parliament and in government.

Current Prime Minister Mark Carney said Garneau brought dedication and duty to every post he held as a naval officer, a history-making astronaut, and a public servant.

You can find more information about Marc Garneau's career online here.

Marc Garneau was my role model, mentor, 30-plus year close friend and a brave and exemplary Canadian for us all. My heart goes out to his family. The world has lost a very good man. pic.twitter.com/Gss3YWAm3Y

— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) June 4, 2025

It is with much sadness that I have learned of the passing of Marc Garneau. I first met Marc as a schoolboy in the early 1980s. 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.… pic.twitter.com/gxHAX0GgAf

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 5, 2025

I join all Canadians tonight in mourning the passing of Marc Garneau.

A naval officer, a history-making astronaut, and a public servant of exceptional distinction, he brought dedication and duty to every post he held.

I extend my deepest condolences to his…

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) June 5, 2025