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