Honouring the Legacy of the Honourable Marc Garneau
Humanity & Inclusion Canada joins Canadians across the country in mourning the passing of the Honourable Marc Garneau—pioneering astronaut, dedicated public servant, and steadfast advocate for the protection of civilians in conflict. As a private funeral is held this week, we pause to honour a remarkable life shaped by discovery, service, and deep human dignity.
© Marc Garneau
Marc Garneau understood the true meaning of public service
His commitment spanned both the stars and the earth below—from the cockpit of the Challenger to the chambers of Parliament, and ultimately, to his support for the world’s most vulnerable.
One of his final public acts of service was as a co-signatory to a powerful open letter led by HI Canada and former Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy, urging Canada to reclaim its leadership in upholding the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty. This was not a symbolic gesture—it was a final act of conviction, reminding us that diplomacy and humanity must remain inseparable.
Marc Garneau’s voice joined that of Louise Arbour, General Roméo Dallaire, and other respected leaders in calling on Canada to act decisively in the face of rising civilian casualties from landmines and the erosion of international humanitarian law. “Landmines are instruments of terror,” the letter affirmed. “They honour no peace agreement.”
“Having known Marc Garneau as a man of great dignity for nearly four decades, I will continue to be inspired by his vision—that diplomacy, humanity, and international cooperation are essential to building a safer, more just world,”
said Anne Delorme, Executive Director of HI Canada.
“He once said, ‘We must learn from the vision and courage of those who have gone before, and we must think of the hopes and aspirations of those who will inherit the world we leave behind.’ He strongly believed that Canada must stand firm against the forces of lies and fear, oppression and hate—not just with words, but with concrete action. He believed Canada would lead by concrete action on the world stage—for this is fundamentally who we are as Canadians. His legacy challenges us to remain steadfast in defending peace and dignity for all.”
Marc Garneau made history in 1984 as the first Canadian astronaut in space—an achievement that inspired generations and marked the beginning of a lifetime of service. He went on to serve as President of the Canadian Space Agency, and in 2008, was elected Member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce–Westmount.
As Minister of Transport (2015–2021) and later as Minister of Foreign Affairs (2021), he championed principled and practical policies—safeguarding passenger rights, protecting Canada’s oceans, and upholding international humanitarian norms.
We are deeply grateful for his life, leadership, and legacy.
