It is a very sad day for many. Kirsty Duncan, the former Liberal cabinet minister and longtime MP for Etobicoke North, passed away today, January 26,
It is a very sad day for many. Kirsty Duncan, the former Liberal cabinet minister and longtime MP for Etobicoke North, passed away today, January 26, 2026, at the age of 59.
She had been fighting a long and courageous battle with cancer. The news was shared in the House of Commons earlier today by Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux, followed by a moment of silence from her former colleagues.
Her Legacy and Career
Kirsty Duncan was widely respected not just as a politician, but as a scientist and a “trailblazer.” Here are a few highlights of her impactful career:
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Science and Sport: She served as the Minister of Science and Minister of Sport (2015–2019), where she became a fierce advocate for “safe sport” and protecting athletes from abuse.
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Medical Geography: Before politics, she was a renowned academic. She famously led an expedition to Norway to study the 1918 Spanish flu virus, hoping to prevent future pandemics.
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Public Service: She represented the people of Etobicoke North for five terms (2008–2025). She had announced in March 2025 that she would not seek re-election to focus on her health and family.
“To everyone living with cancer and your families, I am beside you, climbing every hill.” — Kirsty Duncan, in a 2025 statement.
Her dedication to evidence-based policy and her empathetic approach to leadership left a significant mark on Canadian public life.
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