Irene Mathyssen

Members marked the passing of Irene Mathyssen, a former NDP MP for London—Fanshawe who also served as an MPP and provincial cabinet minister. Heather McPherson described Mathyssen as a teacher, community activist and leader who championed equality, human rights and women’s rights, and said her memory should be honoured by continuing that work.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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Heather McPherson, Edmonton Strathcona

NDP

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“I am honouring former MP Irene Mathyssen, who has passed away. She spent her life fighting for human rights, women's rights, and help for people who need it. We should honour her by carrying her work forward.”
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to honour a remarkable woman, Irene Mathyssen. Irene devoted her life to public service and to building a more just society. As a leader, teacher, community activist, cabinet minister, MPP for Middlesex and MP for London—Fanshawe, she championed equality, human rights, women’s rights and a stronger social safety net for all. Irene was known for her warmth, her humour, her kindness, her strength and her conviction. She treated everyone with respect and believed in leaving the world a better place. I was fortunate to learn from Irene and work alongside her and her daughter, former MP Lindsay Mathyssen, who said that losing her mother has left an indescribable emptiness, but that her legacy, the values she instilled, the example she set and the love she gave so freely to those who knew her will continue to guide us. Let us honour Irene by carrying her legacy forward.

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