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.