In the news today: Former astronaut, minister Marc Garneau dead at 76

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed…

Former astronaut, minister Marc Garneau dies at 76

Marc Garneau, the first Canadian in space who went on to become a high-profile federal politician, has died at 76 years old. MPs rose for a moment of silence in the House of Commons Wednesday evening to honour Garneau. He was an author and a pioneer in Canada’s space program, serving as president of the Canadian Space Agency. Prime Minister Mark Carney called Garneau a naval officer, astronaut and public servant of “exceptional distinction.”

Financial aid coming for wildfire evacuees

The federal and provincial governments have announced they will match Red Cross donations to help those affected by wildfires burning in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Both provinces declared provincewide states of emergency last week to allow various levels of government to co-ordinate resources and support. The federal government announced Wednesday that it would match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross that will support wildfire disaster relief and recovery efforts across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The government of Manitoba also pledged to match Red Cross donations to help with wildfire response in the province.

Here’s what else we’re watching…

Canadians held in Syria pursue rights complaints

A dozen Canadian men and children detained in Syria are complaining to the Canadian Human Rights Commission that Ottawa is discriminating against them by not assisting their return to Canada. The Canadians are among the foreign nationals who have endured squalid and dangerous conditions for years in camps and prisons run by Kurdish forces that reclaimed the war-ravaged region from militants. Some Canadian women and children have been repatriated with help from Canadian officials and the co-operation of Kurdish authorities. There are 12 complainants in the human rights commission case — five Canadian men and seven children aged five to 12.

More than 2,200 Ontarians died of opioids in 2024

New data from the Office of the Chief Coroner shows that more than 2,200 Ontarians died from opioids last year, a 15 per cent decrease from 2023. Chief coroner Dirk Huyer says the decline gives him a “small degree of optimism,” but he worries that the numbers could potentially get worse again. His office had recorded 2,639 opioid deaths in 2023. The mortality rate from opioid overdoses was 14.3 deaths per 100,000 people in 2024. Fentanyl and its related substances were found in more than 83 per cent of opioid toxicity deaths last year.

Habitat probe as B.C. First Nation builds island

A First Nation has built a small artificial island in Coles Bay off Vancouver Island, triggering an investigation into potential habitat destruction and whether the work was authorized. The Department of Fisheries says its officers are assessing whether the Pauquachin First Nation needed permission to construct the island, which is part of a plan to build a clam garden in the shallows of the bay. Excavators and dump trucks were involved in building the island over several days last week, hauling loads of rock into the tidal waters. North Saanich resident Richard Smith watched the construction and says he’s concerned about the state of the ocean floor.

Montreal hopes for better Grand Prix weekend

Montreal is hoping to redeem itself during the upcoming Grand Prix weekend after the event last year became a source of embarrassment. The city says it’s taking steps to improve access to the Formula One site on a man-made island and to reduce congestion during the event, which begins June 13. The Montreal fire department also says it’s working with restaurant owners to ensure they’re ready for the influx of tourists. Fire inspectors caused an uproar last year when they abruptly ordered some restaurants to close their patios on one of the busiest evenings of the year. The 2024 Grand Prix weekend was also marred by flooding at the race site, traffic headaches and miscommunication.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2025.