Justin Trudeau issues statement on the passing of Hazel McCallion, former mayor of Mississauga

With people across the country reacting to the news of Hazel McCallion’s death, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also issued a statement in which he praised McCallion for her many achievements.

“Today, I join Ontarians and Canadians in mourning the passing of Hazel McCallion, the former long-serving mayor of Mississauga,” said Trudeau.

“My dear friend Hazel was an extraordinary woman who wore many hats: a businessperson, an athlete, a politician, and one of Canada’s – and the world’s – longest-serving mayors. Nicknamed ‘Hurricane Hazel’ for her bold political style, she was unstoppable.”

Trudeau acknowledged how McCallion’s mayoral role from 1978 to 2014 transformed Mississauga from a bedroom community to the sixth largest city in Canada under her guidance.

According to the prime minister, this change happened because McCallion believed in Mississauga’s potential to become a city where people could both live and work, and led the charge to do just that.

“‘I want to assure you that the people will come first during my term’ she told a cheering crowd when she won her first term as mayor almost 45 years ago. And that was how she served: by putting people first,” said Trudeau.

“She inspired countless others, including myself, in her decades of tireless and selfless service. I will miss her as a friend, and I’ll always cherish the conversations we had, and the wisdom she shared over the years.”

Hazel McCallion was unstoppable. She worked hard, fought for her community, and inspired countless others with her decades of tireless and selfless service. I’m going to miss you, my friend, and I’ll always cherish the chats we had – and the wisdom you shared – over the years. pic.twitter.com/J4unPSPw7e

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 29, 2023

McCallion passed away peacefully at her home in Mississauga early Sunday morning, Jan. 29 — just a few weeks away from what would’ve been her 102nd birthday on February 14th.

Many people took to Twitter today to share their thoughts and condolences, including Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie, Brampton mayor Patrick Brown, and Premier Doug Ford.

“Today, we grieve the loss of Mississauga’s matriarch, Hazel McCallion, a fierce and passionate leader who touched the lives of so many. She lived a life of service before self – everything she did was for the betterment of our City. My deepest condolences to the McCallion family,” said Crombie.

Ford called McCallion the “true definition of a public servant”, saying she dedicated her long life to her community, including 36 years as mayor of Mississauga – the longest serving mayor in the city’s history.