Tributes pour in for former Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion

Tributes continue to pour in for former Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion who passed away Sunday morning at the age of 101.

READ MORE: Former Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion dies at 101

Current mayor Bonnie Crombie who succeeded McCallion in 2014 was the first to sign a book of condolences set up at city hall, one of 12 set up at different community centres across the city.

“We’re all going to miss her but she’ll be forever in our hearts. I think she’s like the Queen. I think we thought she would live forever but I want to share with you she will always live forever in our hearts,” Crombie said.

Hamilton mayor Andrea Horwath spoke publically for the first time about McCallion’s death, saying she will be remembered for making Mississauga the city it is today. “She was passionate about her city, about growing her city, and about making sure that Mississauga was on the map, and boy Hazel put Mississauga on the map.”

McMaster University political science professor Karen Bird who specializes in the political representation of women says politicians like McCallion have helped blaze a path for women in politics.

“Regardless of their ideology or their position on gender issues somebody like Hazel McCallion has been a role model and just the fact she’s done this and had such an impact, is going to help other women see that ‘I can do this too,'” Bird said.

It’s not just politics in which Hazel McCallion will be remembered but also education, including at Sheridan College and the Mississauga campus that bears her name.

Sheridan president and vice-chancellor Janet Morrison says McCallion, who was named the school’s chancellor in 2016 as the ceremonial head and served in the role until her death, will be remembered for her passion for education and the community.

The books of condolences will be available to sign until the evening of McCallion’s funeral of which details are expected to be announced in the coming days.