Honouring 35 Years of Volunteer Service: Donna Cansfield
Published: November 7, 2025
This year, we are proud to celebrate and recognize Donna Cansfield for her extraordinary 35 years of volunteer service with Dorothy Ley Hospice.
Donna’s journey with the hospice began in 1988, when she volunteered alongside the founders and parishioners of St. George’s on-the-Hill Church. Together, this dedicated group of community members saw a need to support people living with cancer and those at end of life — and from their compassion and vision, the Dorothy Ley Hospice was born.
Since those early days, Donna has remained deeply committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to compassionate, dignified care. Today, she continues to guide that mission as Chair of our Board of Directors, helping to lead the hospice into its next chapter.
Donna’s lifelong dedication to community extends far beyond the hospice. Elected to the Ontario Legislature in 2003, she went on to serve as Minister of Energy and later became the first female Minister of Transportation for the Province of Ontario in 2006. Before her time in provincial government, Donna represented Etobicoke Centre as a school trustee for 15 years, eventually becoming Chair of the Toronto District School Board.
In 2004, Donna introduced a notice of motion in the Ontario Legislature calling on the government to establish a strategy for hospice palliative care — a reflection of her deep passion and steadfast advocacy for this vital cause. Throughout her career, she has worked tirelessly to elevate the importance of hospice and palliative care across Ontario, ensuring that more individuals and families receive the comfort, dignity, and support they deserve.
Through every stage of her public service and volunteer leadership, Donna has been a true champion of compassion. Her unwavering commitment continues to inspire everyone in the Dorothy Ley Hospice community — volunteers, staff, and families alike.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to Donna for her 35 years of remarkable service, leadership, and vision.
Thank you, Donna, for all you have done — and continue to do — to make a difference in the lives of so many.