Hazel McCallion remembered by many as ‘friend and mentor’

Tributes are pouring in following the death of Hazel McCallion who died Sunday morning at the age of 101.

The central theme from those paying their respects was one of a friend and mentor who left behind a legacy of feisty advocacy after more than three decades of nearly unchallenged leadership.

Premier Ford, who confirmed McCallion’s death on behalf of the family, called her “dear friend and mentor” and the definition of a public servant, having led the transformation of the city west of Toronto into a major urban centre.

“There isn’t a single person who met Hazel who didn’t leave in awe of her force of personality,” said Ford. “I count myself incredibly lucky to have called Hazel my friend over these past many years.”

Mississauga and Ontario are better places because of the amazing life of Hazel McCallion. Rest easy, my friend. pic.twitter.com/LJO4HALdRp

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) January 29, 2023

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called McCallion “unstoppable” and someone who inspired countless others with her 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,” he said in a statement.

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 was widely respected by other politicians, endorsing Kathleen Wynne as Liberal premier of Ontario in 2014 but backing her Progressive Conservative opponent Doug Ford in the 2018 vote. She was even more revered by constituents, who voted her into office with landslide victories for 12 successive terms.

She turned down invitations from the Liberals, Conservatives and New Democrats to run for them federally or provincially, saying politics is far more satisfying at the local level.

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie cited McCallion as the driving force behind her decision to put her name on the ballot and succeed her as mayor.

“I wouldn’t be the leader I am today if it wasn’t for her support and sage advice,” Crombie said in a statement. “As the saying goes, ‘if I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.’”

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. pic.twitter.com/ttjbuucjWG

— Bonnie Crombie ???????? (@BonnieCrombie) January 29, 2023

Toronto Mayor John Tory said McCallion’s commitment to local government was “absolute.”

“You always knew where you stood with Hazel,” said Tory.

“She didn’t hesitate to work with the federal and provincial governments to get things done for her city but she also spoke truth to power and held those same governments to account whenever she had to.”

Today, we are all mourning the loss of Hazel McCallion.

She was the iconic Mayor of Mississauga for 36 years and built that city from 1978 to 2014.

To me, she was also a friend and a mentor. pic.twitter.com/iTl5ouBPly

— John Tory (@JohnTory) January 29, 2023

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown called McCallion was “the epitome of hard work and wisdom.”

“Hazel McCallion wasn’t just the Mayor of Mississauga. She was Canada’s Mayor,” he said.

Hazel McCallion wasn’t just the Mayor of Mississauga. She was Canada’s Mayor. She was the epitome of hard work & wisdom. I was lucky to consider her a friend & mentor for many years. The @CityBrampton, extends condolences to the McCallion family & will be lowering our flags today pic.twitter.com/4L6iBICJFV

— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownont) January 29, 2023

Incoming Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner both said McCallion left an indelible mark across Ontario.

Hazel McCallion has left an indelible mark on Ontario through her dedicated public service. Her legacy will forever be felt in the city she helped shape, Mississauga, and by all Ontarians inspired by her tenacious spirit.
My condolences to her family and loved ones.

— Marit Stiles (@MaritStiles) January 29, 2023

I’m sorry to learn of the passing of Hazel McCallion. Through her many years of public service, Hazel McCallion left an indelible mark on her city and her province. May she rest in peace.

— Mike Schreiner (@MikeSchreiner) January 29, 2023

Hockey Canada called McCallion a true pioneer of women’s hockey and a tireless champion of the game.

“Her passionate voice will be missed within the hockey community.”

Former Team Canada captain Hayley Wickenheiser called her chats with McCallion “legendary,” adding they always left her smiling.

“She was always there at Pearson to greet the team when we touched down after Olympic Games. Always supporting and pushing for better. ‘When you give the best to whatever you do, the best will come back to you,’ was one of my favourite quotes of hers. Hazel McCallion, what a force, what a life. Simply put, thank you for paving the way.”

Mohamad Fakih, a prominent local business leader and founder of restaurant chain Paramount Fine Foods, said the country had lost “a Great Canadian.”

“Everybody knew Hazel. Called Hurricane Hazel for good reason! She never stopped. She was tough. She knew what she wanted to get done and always found a way to do it. Friend and mentor who I’ll miss forever.”

A private funeral is being planned while the City of Mississauga is inviting the public to pay their respects through Books of Condolences, which will be available starting Monday throughout the city.

In lieu of flowers, the McCallion family has asked that donations be made to Trillium Health Partners Foundation or to the Hazel McCallion Charitable Foundation for Arts, Culture and Heritage.

Files from The Canadian Press were used in this report