Kirsty Duncan, a former cabinet minister, dedicated scientist, and unwavering advocate for safe sport, has passed away at the age of 59 following a courageous battle with cancer. Her death marks the loss of a truly remarkable public servant who touched countless lives with her passion and dedication.
Duncan faced her illness with remarkable openness, sharing details of her multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatments following her diagnosis in 2023. Even as her health declined, she remained a beacon of strength and resilience, inspiring those around her with her unwavering spirit.
For over a decade, Duncan represented the riding of Etobicoke North as a Liberal Member of Parliament, earning the respect and admiration of her constituents through five consecutive elections. She chose to step down from federal politics last year, but her commitment to public service never wavered.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, reflecting the profound impact she had on those who knew her. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, a fellow Etobicoke native, remembered her as a devoted friend and champion for the community, stating that his family held a long-standing respect for her dedication.
A moment of silence was observed in the House of Commons, a testament to the esteem in which she was held by her parliamentary colleagues. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke of her belief in knowledge, compassion, and service, acknowledging the valuable lessons he learned from her friendship.
Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow described Duncan as a source of inspiration during her cancer journey, praising her optimistic outlook and her unwavering commitment to uplifting others, even in the face of immense personal challenges. He recognized her as “one of the good ones” in a world of politics.
Duncan’s career was defined by a commitment to both science and public service. She served as Minister of Science from 2015 to 2019, and later as Minister of Sport, briefly also holding the portfolio for persons with disabilities. She consistently championed the power of scientific inquiry and evidence-based decision-making.
Perhaps her most impactful work came as a tireless advocate for athlete safety. She passionately called for a national inquiry into abuse in sports, determined to protect future generations from the harm she witnessed. Her efforts led to the creation of a national helpline, a code of conduct, and a dedicated secretariat to address abuse and harassment.
Beyond her political achievements, Duncan was a lifelong athlete, competing in gymnastics, running Ironman triathlons, and completing the Boston Marathon multiple times. She also dedicated years to teaching meteorology and climate change at the University of Windsor, sharing her knowledge and passion with students.
As a published author, Duncan explored the origins of the 1918 Spanish flu virus, demonstrating her deep understanding of scientific research and her ability to communicate complex information to a wider audience. Her appointment of a national chief scientific advisor further underscored her commitment to evidence-based policy.
Even during her own battle with cancer, Duncan remained a powerful voice for those facing the disease, offering support and encouragement to others. She expressed gratitude for the advancements in medicine and the compassionate care of healthcare professionals, reminding everyone that they were not alone.
Kirsty Duncan’s legacy will endure as a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who were touched by her remarkable spirit.
