Marc Garneau, the trailblazing astronaut who became the first Canadian in space and later served as a senior federal cabinet minister, passed away Wednesday at the age of 76 following a brief illness.
Parliamentarians in the House of Commons stood for a moment of silence in his honor after the announcement of his passing.
Garneau, an electrical engineer and former Royal Canadian Navy officer, made history in 1984 when he flew aboard a U.S. space shuttle, becoming Canada’s first astronaut. He went on to complete two more space missions during his career.
His wife, Pam Garneau, confirmed his death in a statement, saying he passed peacefully, surrounded by family. “Marc faced his final days with the same strength, clarity, and grace that defined his life,” she said, thanking supporters and medical staff for their care and kindness.
Though no specific cause of death was given, tributes poured in from political leaders and colleagues. Garneau served in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, holding key roles including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Transport. He represented a Montreal-area riding as a Liberal MP from 2008 until 2023.
Former Prime Minister Trudeau said he was deeply saddened, recalling how he first met Garneau as a schoolboy and remained inspired by his achievements. “Marc truly embodied and exemplified Canadian greatness throughout his whole life,” Trudeau said.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne called Garneau someone who “exceeded every expectation,” while astronaut Chris Hadfield described him as a mentor and friend, and “a brave and exemplary Canadian for us all.”
Reflecting on his space missions, Garneau once said the experience profoundly changed how he viewed the Earth. “When you see that thin atmosphere and realize we’re filling it with greenhouse gases and pollutants … you realize, ‘What are we doing?’” he said earlier this year. “If we don’t take care of this planet, there is nowhere else to go.”
He also credited his time in space with giving him confidence to take on challenges beyond his comfort zone.
Born in Quebec City, Garneau earned a degree in engineering physics from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. He later spent nine years in the U.S., where two of his children were born.
His legacy lives on in many ways, including several Canadian schools named in his honor.