Marc Garneau

× Marc Garneau never expected to become an astronaut. But then he saw an ad in the paper. NASA was inviting two Canadians to fly on its 1984 space shuttle to thank us for designing the rocket’s robotic arm. His application successful, Garneau became the first Canadian in space. Twenty-four years later, Garneau made history yet again, becoming the first astronaut to be elected as a Member of Parliament.

In his memoir,  A Most Extraordinary Ride: Space, Politics, and the Pursuit of a Canadian Dream , Garneau chronicles his improbable ascent from a mischievous teenager and rebellious naval midshipman to a decorated astronaut and statesman who has represented Canada on the world stage.Honest and illuminating, Marc Garneau speaks about his extraordinary life with Marsha Lederman, staff columnist for the Globe and Mail.