Thursday June 5, 2025 | NATIONAL NEWS – reporting from VICTORIA, BC [Updated June 9, 2025]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Marc Garneau was a household name before he ran for federal political office. He was Canada’s first astronaut, and then President of the Canadian Space Agency before running to become a Member of Parliament in 2008.
Garneau was diagnosed with two types of cancer (lymphoma and leukemia) just a few months ago. His demise was barely four to five weeks long, before his death yesterday that was announced by his family yesterday. He was 76 (February 23, 1949 to June 4, 2025).
First Canadian in space:
Garneau was one of the original six Canadian astronauts selected in December 1983. He launched aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on October 5, 1984, as a payload specialist, making history as the first Canadian in space.
He flew on three space missions: STS-41-G (Challenger in October 1984), STS-97 (Endeavour 1996), and STS-77 (Endeavour 2000).
Public service:
Marc Garneau was the MP for the Montreal riding of Westmount—Ville-Marie from 2008 to 2025, and then for the Montreal riding of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount from 2015 to 2023.
Garneau served as the Minister of Transport (2015 to 2021) and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2021).
He guided the Passenger Bill of Rights through the House of Commons to completion in 2019 and dealt with the situation of two Canadians (‘the two Michaels’) who were detained in China until September 2021.
“He embodied the very essence of public service,” said the Canadian Space Agency in a statement yesterday.
Among the awards and honours that Marc Garneau received: the Order of Canada, 1984; The F.W. (Casey) Baldwin Award, Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute, 1985; NASA Exceptional Service Medal, 1997; Chancellor, Carleton University, 2003; Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2002; and several honorary doctorates.
Schools named after Marc Garneau include: Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute in Toronto; É.S.P. Marc-Garneau in Trenton, Ontario; and Marc Garneau Department of Science (Marymount International Academy).
Family:
Marc Garneau is survived by his second wife, Pam Garneau, and four children Yves, Simone, George, and Adrien.
Garneau’s father was a General in the Canadian Armed Forces and his mother was a nurse who served during World War II.
Retiring from politics:
Garneau retired in March 2023. He had not been included in the Justin Trudeau federal cabinet after the 2021. Garneau later said in a book about his life that being dropped from cabinet blind-sided him.
In his farewell speech in the House of Commons on March 8, 2023 Garneau graciously acknowledged the hard work and fair coverage by the news media and also the diligent hard work of staff at the House of Commons. He said to the Opposition that he never viewed them as enemies but as adversaries. He asked everyone in the house to be dignified and channel their views in a positive way. “Make people proud of this House and the people in it,” said Garneau. [See: House of Commons video – March 8, 2023].
In his book A Most Extraordinary Ride: Space, Politics, and the Pursuit of a Canadian Dream (released in October 2024), Garneau had said that Canada was falling behind in the world’s view under Trudeau’s leadership.
It’s not unreasonable to believe that seeing the Earth from space gave Garneau his evident sense of hoping that everyone would work together — both in parliament and as humanity works to get into space. He expressed in an interview in 2024 but at other times as well, that seeing the Earth from up above this planet impacted him to care about the well-being of the planet both physical and in terms of how people and countries get along.
The future of space:
The Canadian Space Agency promotes the peaceful use and development of space, advance the knowledge of space through science, and ensure that space science and technology provide social and economic benefits for Canadians.
Garneau was president of the Canadian Space Agency from November 2001 to January 2006, when he resigned to run for political office.
He participated in the 2024 Spacebound Conference in Ottawa.
Comments:
Statements of condolences were issued by many people upon news of Garneau’s death.
Michael Kovrig, Senior Adviser, Asia – International Crisis Group: “Saddened to hear that we have lost Marc Garneau, who as an astronaut was the first Canadian in space, and as Foreign Minister worked tirelessly to free me from wrongful detention in China. I’ll never forget meeting him on the tarmac in Calgary that day, and I’m glad to have been able to meet and thank him again last fall in Montreal. A genuinely kind and decent man with deep integrity. Per ardye ad astra, Marc! May your spirit be forever with the stars!”
Chris Hadfield, Canadian astronaut: “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.”
Justin Trudeau, former Prime Minister (2015-2025): “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. Marc truly embodied and exemplified Canadian greatness throughout his whole life. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Mary Simon, Governor General: “As the first Canadian in space, a dedicated naval ifficer, and a public servant, he inspired countless Canadians with his passion for science and exploration. Marc leaves behind a legacy of integrity, professionalism, and a profound contgribution to our undrestandin of the universe. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Karina Gould, MP: “Really sad to learn of the passing of my friend and former colleague, the Hon. Marc Garneau. Many will know him as the first Canadian to go to space. I had the privilege to serve alongside Marc for 7 years in Parliament. Always kind, always generous and always willing to listen. Marc was an exemplary parliamentarian and Minister. He told really good space stories! My condolences to his family. Marc was a great Canadian.”
===== RELATED:
NEWS SECTIONS: CANADA-NATIONAL | OBITUARIES