Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Former Liberal cabinet minister and longtime Member of Parliament Kirsty Duncan has died at the age of 59 following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Born on Oct. 31, 1966, Duncan was elected five times as the Liberal MP for the Toronto riding of Etobicoke North, serving in Parliament from 2008 until 2025. She stepped away from electoral politics last year and did not seek re-election.
Duncan served in cabinet during former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s first term, holding the portfolios of minister of science and minister of sport. She also briefly served as minister for persons with disabilities. A trained scientist and former athlete, Duncan was widely recognized for bringing evidence-based decision-making and advocacy into her political work.
She took a medical leave on Jan. 26, 2023, but continued to serve as an MP while undergoing treatment.
During her tenure as minister of sport, Duncan made athlete safety a central focus, prioritizing reforms around safe sport. She continued to champion the issue even after leaving the portfolio.
Tributes poured in from political leaders across the country following news of her death. Prime Minister Mark Carney extended condolences to Duncan’s family, friends and colleagues, praising her lifelong commitment to public service.
“Kirsty’s life was defined by kindness and service,” Carney said in a statement. He highlighted her accomplishments prior to politics, including her internationally recognized leadership of an Arctic expedition researching the origins of the 1918 influenza pandemic, as well as her work as an educator in meteorology, climatology and climate change.
Carney also noted her impact in government, saying Duncan helped advance equity as minister of sport and persons with disabilities and strengthened the role of science and research in public policy during her time as minister of science.
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau said he was “heartbroken” by Duncan’s passing, describing her as both a colleague and a friend.
“She believed in knowledge, compassion, and service, and she brought those values into every conversation and every fight she took on,” Trudeau wrote in a social media post, adding that her influence extended far beyond Parliament.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also paid tribute, calling Duncan a devoted public servant and a strong advocate for the people of Etobicoke North. He said his thoughts and prayers were with her family and loved ones.
The House of Commons observed a moment of silence in Duncan’s honour on Monday. Assistant Deputy Speaker John Nater asked members to rise, offering condolences on behalf of all parliamentarians.
“Those of us who had the privilege of serving with her will never forget her hard work, her courage, her compassion and, above all, her kindness,” Nater said.
Duncan is remembered as a trailblazer who bridged science, education and politics, and as a public figure whose legacy continues to shape Canadian policy and public life.
