Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan dead at 59
Listen to this articleEstimated 4 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan has died at the age of 59 following a years-long battle with cancer.Born on Oct. 31, 1966, Duncan was elected five times as the Liberal MP for the Toronto riding of Etobicoke North between 2008 and 2025.She sat in cabinet for the first term under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, as both minister of science and sport, as well as a brief period as minister for persons with disabilities.Duncan, a former scientist and athlete, took a medical leave on Jan. 26, 2023, but continued to sit as an MP.She did not seek re-election last year.While she served in the sport portfolio for less than two years, Duncan made safe sport her priority both during her time as sports minister and continued to champion the cause.Politicians pay tribute to DuncanPrime Minister Mark Carney extended his condolences Monday to Duncan's family, friends, colleagues and everyone who learned from her work. "Kirsty’s life was defined by kindness and service," Carney said in a statement."Before public office, she was a teacher and a scientist. She was internationally recognized for leading an Arctic expedition to uncover the origins of the 1918 influenza pandemic. As an educator, she helped pioneer Canadian scholarship in meteorology, climatology, and climate change, and helped shape how a generation understood our world and its future," he added."Elected to Parliament five times, Kirsty brought the same purpose to political life. She helped break barriers and inequities as the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, and fought for the values of truth and objectivity as the Minister of Science. Her contributions to Parliament gave science and research a clearer, louder voice in our democracy."Her curiosity and generosity inspired Canadians across the country." Kirsty Duncan smiles as she waits to be sworn in as Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General in Ottawa on Monday January 29, 2018. (Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press)Trudeau said in a social media post on Monday that he was "heartbroken" by the loss of Duncan, whom he described as a friend."She believed in knowledge, compassion, and service, and she brought those values into every conversation and every fight she took on. I learned a great deal from her, and I was lucky to call her a friend"I’ll miss her greatly. My thoughts are with her family, her friends, and all those whose lives she touched."Ontario Premier Doug Ford also expressed condolences in a social media post Monday."I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Kirsty Duncan, a devoted public servant and a champion for the people of Etobicoke North," he wrote. "She served our community with dedication and conviction. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones "House of Commons holds moment of silence for DuncanThe House of Commons held a moment of silence in memory of Duncan in Ottawa on Monday.John Nater, assistant deputy speaker, asked the assembled politicians to rise in her honour."I will say on behalf of all parliamentarians that we send our deepest love and respect to Kirsty's loved ones and family on her passing," Nater said. "I know those of us who had the privilege of serving with her in this place will never forget her hard work, her courage, her compassion and above all, her kindness."We send our love and support to all who knew Kirsty Duncan."
