Marc Garneau, first Canadian in space and former federal minister, dies at 76

Marc Garneau has died at the age of 76.

His family confirmed that he passed away Wednesday after a brief illness.

Garneau was the first Canadian to go into space and flew on three space shuttle missions. From 2001 to 2005, he was president of Canada’s space agency.

Garneau, who was born in Quebec City on Feb. 23, 1949, then entered politics and was elected to the House of Commons in 2008, representing the Montreal riding of Westmount--Ville-Marie until 2015, and then the riding of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce--Westmount.

He served as the Liberal minister of foreign affairs and before that the minister of transport before retiring in 2023.

His wife, Pam Garneau, released a statement on Wednesday.

It reads: “It is with deep sadness that I share the news of my husband Marc Garneau’s passing. Marc faced his final days with the same strength, clarity, and grace that defined his life. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family.”

The statement went on to say: “We wish to express our heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of support, concern, and kind words received over the past few days. We are especially grateful to the medical team who provided such dedicated and compassionate care during his short illness. We kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this profound loss and take time to reflect and heal.”

MPs rose for a moment of silence Wednesday evening in the House of Commons following a request from government whip Mark Gerretsen.

‘He was ... a hero of mine,’ astronaut says

Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk said he was shocked and saddened to learn about Garneau’s passing, noting that last October, the astronomy world was celebrating the 40th anniversary of Garneau’s first flight into space.

“I knew him well and he was, as he was to thousands of Canadians, a hero of mine for as long as I can remember. He was the first, he was so historic, he started the path and that has brought so much benefit to this country, in terms of our space program. It’s just really a sad moment,” Kutryk said in an interview with CTV News.

“For myself and the others, just absolute surprise and a real sense of loss right now.”

• READ MORE: Canadian astronauts reflect on the legacy of Marc Garneau

In his farewell speech to fellow MPs on March 8, 2023, Garneau thanked his constituency staff in Montreal, public servants, his House colleagues, his family, and many others, saying he considered himself “to have been extraordinarily privileged to have worked in the Parliament of Canada.”

“Nothing is perfect in this world, but I would like to think that I always did my best to try to make it better. Although my gaze will remain on the future, as it always has been, I hope the young people of this country will fashion that future and protect our democracy,” he said in his speech.

“Now it is time for me to go. It has been an honour serving my country alongside all members. I thank them and say farewell.”

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) remembered Garneau in a statement late Wednesday evening, calling him an “inspiration to all Canadians” who “embodied the very essence of public service.”

“We are deeply grateful to Marc Garneau for his extraordinary public service, visionary leadership, and enduring contributions to Canada and the world — from making history as the first Canadian in space to guiding the Canadian Space Agency as its President," said CSA President Lisa Campbell.

“Beyond his remarkable achievements, Marc was an exceptional human being: thoughtful, principled, and deeply committed to serving others. His integrity and generosity of spirit touched everyone who had the privilege to work with him.

His legacy will continue to inspire us as we advance the role of space in improving life on Earth."

‘A true pioneer’: Condolences pour in for Garneau

Prime Minister Mark Carney took to social media to express his condolences to Garneau’s family.

“A naval officer, a history-making astronaut, and a public servant of exceptional distinction, he brought dedication and duty to every post he held,” reads a message on Carney’s X account.

Former prime minister Justin Trudeau posted a photo of him hugging Garneau on social media, writing in a tribute that he was in awe of his service and courage since meeting him during his youth in the early 1980s.

“Marc truly embodied and exemplified Canadian greatness throughout his whole life. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” Trudeau wrote in his post.

In a statement on Facebook, Anna Gainey, the MP for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce--Westmount, expressed her condolences to Garneau’s family. She said Canada lost “a true pioneer and champion whose impact will never be forgotten.”

“His legacy is one of outstanding achievement and elevating Canada on the world stage. He inspired multiple generations of Canadians through his tireless work and unwavering dedication to public service. His leadership set a standard that continues to guide us today,” her statement reads.

Other parliamentarians and those who knew him also expressed their condolences on social media Wednesday evening.