It is with profound sorrow and immeasurable sadness that the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation mourns the passing of our President, Irene Mathyssen — a cherished colleague, a steadfast advocate for social justice, and a woman whose life was distinguished by an extraordinary and selfless devotion to the betterment of others and her community.
Irene was a teacher by profession, a dedicated public servant, a former Member of Provincial Parliament, Cabinet Minister, and Member of Parliament, and a lifelong champion of the progressive ideals that shaped Canada's social democratic tradition. Yet, beyond the titles she held and the offices she occupied, Irene was at her very essence, strong: a woman of deep conviction, uncommon compassion, and unwavering principle. She believed profoundly in the capacity of people to transform their circumstances, challenge entrenched inequities, and build a society in which dignity, fairness, and opportunity were not privileges reserved for the fortunate, but fundamental rights afforded to all.
Throughout her remarkable life in public service, Irene devoted herself wholeheartedly to the causes that defined her political and personal convictions. She was an indefatigable advocate for women's equality, a resolute defender of workers' rights, and a tireless voice for those too often marginalized, overlooked, or denied the opportunity to be heard. Her commitment to these struggles was neither fleeting nor performative. It was deeply rooted in her understanding of justice, her solidarity with working people, and her conviction that a society's measure is ultimately found in how it treats its most vulnerable.
Irene understood that meaningful progress is neither inevitable nor easily secured. Progress is the product of perseverance, collective action, and the courage to confront injustice wherever it takes root. She brought these principles to every chapter of her public life, carrying herself with a quiet determination and an enduring sense of responsibility to the people she served. Her advocacy was animated by a genuine belief that politics, at its best, is an expression of our shared obligation to one another—a means of giving practical effect to our highest ideals and building a more compassionate, equitable, and democratic country.
As President of the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation, Irene embodied the enduring spirit and aspirations of the progressive movement. She understood the profound significance of the legacies of Tommy Douglas, M.J. Coldwell, and Jack Layton, and the responsibility entrusted to those who carry their work forward. She recognized that their vision of a fairer Canada was not simply a chapter in our political history, but an ongoing undertaking that demands renewed commitment, principled leadership, and an abiding faith in the power of collective endeavour. Irene was instrumental during the charity's revitalization in bringing Jack Layton's legacy to the foundation through her friendship with Olivia Chow and the Layton family. Through the Foundation Irene spearheaded the Alexa McDonough Leadership Centre Project with joy and enthusiasm knowing that women across Canada needed positive progressive role models and sources of encouragement to overcome today's challenges.
Irene carried that responsibility of leadership with distinction. Her devotion to the Foundation and its mission laid out by Tommy Douglas and enshrined by the work of Jack Layton reflected the very best of the tradition it exists to preserve: a belief that public life should be guided by compassion rather than indifference, solidarity rather than division, and an unwavering commitment to the common good. She gave of herself generously and without reservation, placing the work and the causes she cherished ahead of personal recognition. Her contribution to the Foundation was not measured solely by her leadership, but by the integrity of her convictions and the humanity with which she pursued them.
For the staff and Board of the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation, past and present, this loss is deeply personal. We have lost not only a respected President and colleague, but a dear friend whose presence enriched our work and whose dedication served as a constant reminder of why that work matters. We will remember Irene for her steadfastness, kindness, her generosity of spirit, her profound sense of purpose, and the sincerity with which she devoted herself to the ideals she held dear. We will remember, too, the example she set through a lifetime of service—an example grounded in the understanding that the pursuit of justice is not merely something we advocate for, but a responsibility we must continually embrace.
Her passing leaves an immense void in our Foundation and in the broader progressive community. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Irene's family, friends, former colleagues, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her, working alongside her, and drawing inspiration from her example. We hope that, amid the sorrow of this moment, they may find some measure of comfort in the extraordinary life she lived, the countless people she championed, and the enduring influence of her work.
Though we mourn her loss, we also give thanks for all that Irene gave to us and to the country she served so faithfully. Her legacy resides not only in the public record of her accomplishments, but in the lives she touched, the voices she helped amplify, the rights she defended, and the generations of advocates who will continue the struggles to which she dedicated herself. The causes she championed remain as vital as ever, and the values she exemplified will continue to guide our work.
At the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation, we will honour Irene's memory in the most meaningful way we know: by carrying forward the work to which she devoted so much of her life, by defending the principles of social democracy, by standing resolutely with working people, by advancing women's equality, and by continuing the pursuit of a Canada in which compassion, fairness, and human dignity form the foundation of our shared future.
Irene gave so much of herself to the promise of a better world. Her passing is a profound loss, but her life's work remains an enduring testament to what one person's conviction, generosity, and steadfast commitment can accomplish.
Rest peacefully, Irene. You served with distinction, you advocated with courage, and you led with heart. We are profoundly grateful to have shared in your journey, and we will carry your memory forward with affection, admiration, and an abiding commitment to the ideals that animated your life. Thank you for your friendship, leadership, support, and love. We loved you in return.
Irene will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and never forgotten.
Most Sincerely,
Josh Bizjak, Executive Director
From all of us at the Foundation, we wish you a joyful Pride month filled with celebration and love. As we celebrate queer love, joy and success we must also take the time to reflect on the history that has led us to where we are today.
The Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation mourns the passing of Stephen Lewis with profound sorrow and deep gratitude for a life of extraordinary service. In Stephen Lewis, we have lost not only a towering figure in Canadian public life, but a giant among progressives, an intellectual of rare brilliance, and a moral voice whose clarity and conviction helped shape generations of thought and action in pursuit of social justice.
