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.
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau said in a social media post on Monday that he is “heartbroken” by the loss of Duncan, whom he described as a friend.
“Kirsty was curious, generous, and deeply committed to helping others. 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,” Trudeau said.
“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. She served our community with dedication and conviction. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.”
