History-making astronaut touches down in Burlington 40 years later

Canada’s first astronaut will be making a rare Burlington appearance on the 40th anniversary of his space mission.

Tomorrow (Oct. 5), Marc Garneau will discuss his life as an astronaut and a politician at a special presentation by the Burlington Public Library.

The appearance will be at Port Nelson United Church, 3132 South Street from to 2 to 3 p.m. as part of the Culture Day series in Burlington.

It was on Oct. 5, 1984 that Garneau made history. Blasting off from the Kennedy Space Center aboard the U.S. Space Shuttle, he became the first Canadian to fly to outer space. Twenty-four years later, Garneau made history again, becoming the first astronaut to be elected as a Member of Parliament.

Now, Garneau has produced a book about his life, A Most Extraordinary Ride: Space, Politics, and the Pursuit of a Canadian Dream where he chronicles his ascent from Canadian naval midshipman to a decorated astronaut and statesman who represented Canada on the world stage.

He will discuss his career and book in a Culture Days event presented by the Burlington Public Library. His appearance will take place Oct. 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Port Nelson United Church, 3132 South Street.

You can register for the event here.