Former Minister Kirsty Duncan Focuses on Health and Advocacy Following Distinguished Career
OTTAWA, January 26, 2026 – Contrary to misinformation circulating online, The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, the former Liberal Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North and a former federal minister, is alive and continues her work as a prominent cancer advocate. Recent online searches conflate the former politician with unrelated personal tragedies. Canada Wire provides a definitive account of Duncan’s notable career in public service and academia, and her current focus on health.
A Career in Science and Service
Kirsty Ellen Duncan, PC, served as the MP for Etobicoke North from 2008 until she chose not to run for re-election in 2025. Her career was marked by a unique blend of scientific rigour and political leadership. Prior to politics, she was an associate professor of health studies and medical geography at the University of Toronto and served on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
She is perhaps best known in scientific circles for leading a 1998 international expedition to Longyearbyen, Norway, in an attempt to exhume victims of the 1918 Spanish flu from permafrost to study the virus. She documented this endeavour in her 2003 book, Hunting the 1918 Flu: One Scientist’s Search for a Killer Virus.
Political Leadership and Advocacy
Appointed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet in 2015, Duncan first served as Minister of Science. She was later tasked with the dual portfolios of Sport and Persons with Disabilities. In this role, she became a vocal advocate for safe sport, pushing for policies to protect athletes from abuse and calling for a public inquiry into the issue—a call she renewed in 2023 after leaving the cabinet.
Following the 2019 election, she was appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, a role she held until 2021.
Key Facts: The Honourable Kirsty Duncan
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Alive; former MP (served 2008-2025), current cancer patient and advocate. |
| Political Roles | MP for Etobicoke North, Minister of Science, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, Deputy House Leader. |
| Academic Background | Ph.D. in Geography (University of Edinburgh); former professor at University of Toronto and University of Windsor. |
| Health Disclosure | Publicly shared her cancer diagnosis; took medical leave from Parliament in January 2023. |
| Recent Public Statement | In 2024, posted on social media about focusing on serving her community while managing cancer treatment. |
Clarifying the Record
The confusion online appears to stem from the tragic story of a different individual named Kirsty, as shared in a 2022 personal blog by a Scottish traveller, and a separate fundraising campaign for a “Kirsten.” These are unrelated to the former Canadian parliamentarian. The Parliament of Canada’s website lists Duncan as a former MP but does not indicate her death.
Duncan has been open about her health challenges, stating in January 2023 that she was taking a medical leave for a “physical health challenge.” She has since used her platform to advocate for cancer patients, sharing messages of support for those undergoing treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has former MP Kirsty Duncan passed away?
No. As of the latest available information, Kirsty Duncan is alive. She concluded her parliamentary service in March 2025 and continues her advocacy work.
What is Kirsty Duncan known for?
She is known for her dual career as a medical geographer and a federal politician. Her key legacies include her early scientific work on the 1918 flu, her advocacy for safe sport and athlete protection, and her role as Canada’s first dedicated Minister of Science.
Why was there confusion about her status?
Online searches for “Kirsty Duncan death” return results for unrelated individuals with the same or similar names who have died, leading to false associations. This highlights the challenges of digital misinformation.