FILE - Transport Minister Marc Garneau speaks at a news conference in Mirabel, Quebec, Dec. 18, 2015. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press via AP, File) The Associated Press

OTTAWA, Ontario -- Marc Garneau, the first Canadian in space and a former foreign minister, died Wednesday after a short illness. He was 76.

Members of Parliament rose for a moment of silence in the House of Commons Wednesday evening at the request of government lawmaker Mark Gerretsen.

An electrical engineer and former Royal Canadian Navy officer, he became the first Canadian in space when he flew aboard the U.S. space shuttle in 1984. Garneau made two other trips to space.

“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, clarit

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