OBITUARY: ‘Hardest-working MP’ in Canada’s government was a strong voice for Mississauga

In serving as Mississauga South MP for 18 years, Paul Szabo made at least a few things abundantly clear — hard work was something he both valued greatly and demonstrated often, and children’s and family issues topped his list of priorities.

In fact, the Toronto-born Szabo, who represented his area of Mississauga in Ottawa from 1993 until 2011, was named by his fellow MPs the “hardest-working Member of Parliament” for three consecutive years from 2006 through 2008.

The longtime Mississauga resident and Liberal MP, a chartered accountant who opened a private accounting practice in Mississauga in 1990, was also known as a strong promoter of children’s issues. He introduced private member’s legislation to deliver stiffer criminal sentences for abusers of women and children and he backed greater funding for maternal and parental leave.

Szabo, who stood and spoke in the House on more than 2,000 occasions during his nearly two decades in Ottawa representing his Mississauga constituents, died on Dec. 19 in Mississauga. He was 76.

Szabo “passed away peacefully, with his loving family by his side,” an online obituary reads. “Paul was the devoted husband of his wife, Linda, for 53 years, proudly sharing three children — Aaron Matthew, Reagan Anne and Whitney Jean — and four grandchildren.”

The obituary also noted Szabo demonstrated “a love of community” throughout his life and was a director for the Mississauga Hospital (Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga).

In 2004, after 11 years as MP, Szabo faced a serious challenge from Charles Sousa for the Liberal nomination in the south Mississauga riding.

Sousa had considerable support from many on the left within the Liberal Party while the incumbent Szabo had ample support on the right.

Szabo won out in a close contest, defeating Sousa 966 votes to 838.

Known as one of the more socially conservative members of the Liberal caucus, Szabo became involved in politics long before his victory in 1993. He was the Liberal candidate in Mississauga South in 1980 and 1984, losing both times to Conservative Don Blenkarn, the first time by 473 votes.

Szabo’s time in Ottawa came to an end in 2011 when he was defeated in the riding and the Conservatives won a majority government.

As further evidence of his commitment to standing up and speaking in the House on behalf of his riding, Szabo was reported to have spoken the most words during the 38th Parliament (154,683) from 2004 to 2005. He ranked first again in the 39th Parliament.