Born: 1921 (Port Daniel, Quebec)
Died: 2023
Biography:
Hazel McCallion CM OOnt (née Journeaux; February 14, 1921 – January 29, 2023) was a Canadian politician who served as the fifth mayor of Mississauga. First elected in November 1978, McCallion was mayor for 36 years until her retirement in 2014, making her the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history.
Hazel Journeaux was born on February 14, 1921, in Port Daniel, on the Gaspé Coast of Quebec. Her father, Herbert Armand Journeaux, owned a fishing and canning company, while her mother, Amanda Maude Travers, was a homemaker and ran the family farm. She grew up with two older sisters and two older brothers.
After graduating from Quebec High School, Hazel attended business secretarial school in Quebec City and Montreal. It was during this time that she discovered her love for ice hockey. In the late 1920s, Hazel, along with her two sisters, began playing ice hockey in Port Daniel. She later joined a professional women’s hockey team while attending school in Montreal, earning $5 per game. The team, sponsored by Kik Cola, was part of a three-team women’s league.
Hazel had aspirations to attend university, but her family’s financial situation made it impossible. Instead, she began her career in Montreal with Canadian Kellogg, an engineering firm. In 1942, she was transferred to Toronto, where she played a pivotal role in setting up the company’s operations in the city.
In 1951, Hazel moved to Streetsville and became actively involved in the community. Her business acumen and dedication to public service led her to pursue a career in politics. She served as the mayor of Streetsville from 1970 to 1973 before it amalgamated into Mississauga.
In November 1978, Hazel McCallion was elected as the mayor of Mississauga, a position she would hold for an unprecedented 36 years. Her tenure as mayor was marked by her unwavering dedication to the city and its residents. She was a successful candidate in twelve municipal elections, being acclaimed twice and re-elected ten other times.
Throughout her time as mayor, Hazel gained a reputation for her outspoken political style. Her supporters affectionately nicknamed her Hurricane Hazel in reference to the hurricane of 1954, which had a considerable impact. She was known for her strong leadership and no-nonsense approach to governance, earning the respect and admiration of many.
One of the most challenging moments of Hazel’s mayoralty came early on when the 1979 Mississauga train derailment occurred. She displayed remarkable leadership during this crisis, overseeing the evacuation of 200,000 residents from the resulting explosion, fire, and hazardous chemical spill. Her calm and determined response saved countless lives and earned her widespread praise.
Hazel’s dedication to public service extended beyond her role as mayor. Following her retirement in 2014, she remained an active public figure, taking on various advisory roles and serving as the first chancellor of Sheridan College. Her wisdom and experience continued to shape the future of Mississauga and the surrounding region.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Hazel McCallion received numerous honors and awards. In 2005, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honor. In 2020, she was awarded the Order of Ontario, further acknowledging her exceptional service to the province. She also received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
Hazel was granted honorary doctorate of law degrees from the University of Toronto and Ryerson University, further cementing her legacy as a distinguished leader. Her remarkable career and dedication to public service make her an influential figure in Canadian history.
Hazel McCallion passed away on January 29, 2023, at the age of 101. In honor of her contributions and legacy, she was given a state funeral on what would have been her 102nd birthday, a testament to the profound impact she had on the city of Mississauga and its residents.
Awards:
– Member of the Order of Canada
– Order of Ontario
– Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
– Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal