GNS: Students Inspired to Defy Gravity

GYPSD students in grades 5 to 12 had the pleasure of hearing from The Honourable Marc Garneau on October 13, 2023, just ahead of Jasper's Dark Sky Festival. Jasper Junior/ Senior High School students and upper year École Jasper Elementary students learned many amazing facts about the Canadian Space Agency, space travel, and what life is like as an astronaut. Mr. Garneau presented twice - once in English and once in French.

Marc Garneau is a Canadian retired politician, retired Royal Canadian Navy officer and former astronaut who served as a Cabinet Minister from 2015 to 2021. During his tenure, he served as Liberal House Leader, Minister of Transport, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Prior to entering politics, Garneau served as a naval officer and was selected as an astronaut in 1983. Garneau was one of six first Canadian Astronauts and he became the first Canadian in outer space on October 5, 1984. He was the president of the Canadian Space Agency from 2001 to 2005. Garneau flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger from October 5 to 13, 1984, as payload specialist. In 1992–93, he underwent further training to become a mission specialist and participated on a number of shuttle flights; he has logged over 677 hours in space.

Students Defy Gravity