Canadian Politician and Medical Geographer
Kirsty Ellen Duncan, a distinguished Canadian politician and medical geographer, passed away on January 26, 2026, at the age of 59, after a battle with cancer. Born on October 31, 1966, in Etobicoke, Ontario, Duncan dedicated her life to public service and scientific inquiry.
Duncan's career in politics began with her election as the Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North in 2008. She served five terms, becoming a prominent voice in the Liberal Party. Her contributions extended to the federal cabinet, where she served as the Minister of Science from 2015 to 2019, and concurrently as the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities from 2018 to 2019. In these roles, she championed evidence-based policy-making and advocated for greater equity and diversity in STEM fields.
Before her political career, Duncan was a respected academic and scientist. She was renowned for her research on climate change and pandemics, particularly her 1998 expedition to Svalbard, Norway, to investigate the cause of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. This work, detailed in her book "Hunting the 1918 Flu," earned her international recognition as an expert in pandemic influenza and environmental health. She also contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
Duncan was also a passionate advocate for safe sport and for addressing abuse and misconduct within Canadian sports. She used her platform to call for greater accountability and systemic change, drawing from her own experiences and her commitment to protecting athletes. Her dedication to public service was recognized by many, including former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who described her as "curious, generous, and deeply committed to helping others."
Kirsty Duncan's legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, unwavering public service, and a profound commitment to science and the well-being of Canadians. She will be remembered for her significant contributions to both the scientific and political landscapes of Canada.
Those who wish to honor Kirsty's memory are invited to .
3 people have planted trees
Brenda Hayakawa
Marina Douglas
Staci Owens
Brenda Hayakawa
Staci Owens
Marina Douglas
Remembering those we recently lost
Brenda Hayakawa planted 10 trees
Share your thoughts and memories
Kirsty was a GEM. She was always very interested in each person she knew or met. She loved to dance and share her love of Highland and SCD. So many memories of Finlay Dancers demos and the fun we had.
I met Kirsty through highland dancing, which was a passion of hers. I remember at one highland games Kirsty entered the 'farmers walk', which was one of the heavy events, like caber tossing. She did pretty well too. It was very unusual for a woman to compete in this event. It seemed that there wasn't much that she couldn't tackle with determination, as witnessed by her varied interests and her career in politics. A very remarkable woman. Beth Fullerton/Crook
Kirsty was such a delight - fun, engaged, silly. And she danced with such intensity, I was not surprised that she brought that same intensity to everything else that she did. The world is a lesser place without her. God speed, Kirsty.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Duncan’s passing. She was my professor at the University of Windsor and had a profound impact on my life. Dr. Duncan mentored so many of us and inspired countless people to pursue careers in science and to become advocates for the environment. If only we could all leave such a positive mark on the world....... I hope it brings her family comfort to know that she left a lasting legacy through her work in education and public service. Sincerely, Dr. Christa Haney
I met Kirsty when we were both very young Highland Dancers at Carolynn Dewer's studio and reconnected as adults many years later. She was an amazing, compassionate woman and I know she will be teaching angels the Highland Fling. Rest in peace my friend.
Kirsty was always the first to ask you how you were - and mean it. Her smile and compassion radiated throughout the halls of Parliament. She is sorely missed there - we need more Kirsty's not only in Ottawa but everywhere. Her life here on earth was far too short. My condolences to Sven and all Kirsty's family and close friends - of which I am sure there are many.
I have known Kristy for over 40+ years. Her mother Helen was one of my gym teachers at Central Commerce in the mid 70's. I met Kristy at Mooredale Sailing School at the foot of Cherry Street beach area in the 80's. Her mom was a member there for many years and Kristy would come down to see her. I remember the day when Kristy and her dancing crew came in and performed a highland dance for the members. At that time, she hadn't reach her full potential yet but we all knew she was something special. She was such a wonderful woman, full of life and laughter. Her mother was so proud of her. It was so interesting to read about all her achievements in life. We only knew her as Helen's daughter. One day at the club, someone had dropped of a kitten at the club and Kristy approached me and ask if I would like to adopt the kitten. I immediately said yes. I added a little baby kitten to my family and I have Kristy to thank for that. RIP Kristy and know that your achievements throughout your life will always be remembered and your presence will be missed by all.
We knew Kirsty well when she was at the University of Windsor. She was full of energy, a great teacher, and a highly dedicated and innovative researcher. She also loved all things Scottish and found time to teach children Scottish country dancing. We are saddened by the news of her passing and send sincere condolences to her family. Dr. Norman and Moira Diffey
So many fonds memories of Kirsty. We danced together for many years and shared many a laugh. She will be missed by everyone.
Kirsty was a GEM. She was always very interested in each person she knew or met. She loved to dance and share her love of Highland and SCD. So many memories of Finlay Dancers demos and the fun we had.
I met Kirsty through highland dancing, which was a passion of hers. I remember at one highland games Kirsty entered the 'farmers walk', which was one of the heavy events, like caber tossing. She did pretty well too. It was very unusual for a woman to compete in this event. It seemed that there wasn't much that she couldn't tackle with determination, as witnessed by her varied interests and her career in politics. A very remarkable woman. Beth Fullerton/Crook
Kirsty was such a delight - fun, engaged, silly. And she danced with such intensity, I was not surprised that she brought that same intensity to everything else that she did. The world is a lesser place without her. God speed, Kirsty.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Duncan’s passing. She was my professor at the University of Windsor and had a profound impact on my life. Dr. Duncan mentored so many of us and inspired countless people to pursue careers in science and to become advocates for the environment. If only we could all leave such a positive mark on the world....... I hope it brings her family comfort to know that she left a lasting legacy through her work in education and public service. Sincerely, Dr. Christa Haney
I met Kirsty when we were both very young Highland Dancers at Carolynn Dewer's studio and reconnected as adults many years later. She was an amazing, compassionate woman and I know she will be teaching angels the Highland Fling. Rest in peace my friend.
Kirsty was always the first to ask you how you were - and mean it. Her smile and compassion radiated throughout the halls of Parliament. She is sorely missed there - we need more Kirsty's not only in Ottawa but everywhere. Her life here on earth was far too short. My condolences to Sven and all Kirsty's family and close friends - of which I am sure there are many.
I have known Kristy for over 40+ years. Her mother Helen was one of my gym teachers at Central Commerce in the mid 70's. I met Kristy at Mooredale Sailing School at the foot of Cherry Street beach area in the 80's. Her mom was a member there for many years and Kristy would come down to see her. I remember the day when Kristy and her dancing crew came in and performed a highland dance for the members. At that time, she hadn't reach her full potential yet but we all knew she was something special. She was such a wonderful woman, full of life and laughter. Her mother was so proud of her. It was so interesting to read about all her achievements in life. We only knew her as Helen's daughter. One day at the club, someone had dropped of a kitten at the club and Kristy approached me and ask if I would like to adopt the kitten. I immediately said yes. I added a little baby kitten to my family and I have Kristy to thank for that. RIP Kristy and know that your achievements throughout your life will always be remembered and your presence will be missed by all.
We knew Kirsty well when she was at the University of Windsor. She was full of energy, a great teacher, and a highly dedicated and innovative researcher. She also loved all things Scottish and found time to teach children Scottish country dancing. We are saddened by the news of her passing and send sincere condolences to her family. Dr. Norman and Moira Diffey
So many fonds memories of Kirsty. We danced together for many years and shared many a laugh. She will be missed by everyone.
