Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan dies at 59

By Canadian Press on January 26, 2026.

OTTAWA — 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.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 26, 2026.

The Canadian Press