“Hazel McCallion has been a long-time supporter of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic board and of Catholic education in our community,” said John Kostoff, director of education. “She is a most worthy recipient of this award.” 

At the board's monthly meeting Aug. 26, McCallion received the Award of Merit which is “presented in recognition of outstanding contribution to the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and Catholic education,” as the press release reads. 

Board chair Mario Pascucci praised McCallion, agreeing she is a worthy of the award. 

“Mayor McCallion's legacy looms large for a wide array of accomplishments,” he said. “It is fitting that we, the Catholic educational community in her jurisdiction, formally recognize and celebrate her as she concludes her significant career in public service.”

“I am most honoured to receive the Dufferin-Peel Catholic Award of Merit and to be in the prestigious company of past recipients,” said McCallion. Among those honoured in the past are former Ontario premier William Davis and Joe Hugel, former director of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic board. 

First elected in November 1978, McCallion went undefeated through 12 municipal elections. This year's election, to be held Oct. 27, Mississauga's citizens will not be able to vote for McCallion as she is retiring from politics at age 93. 

During her 36 years as the city's mayor McCallion said she's been honoured to have been actively involved with the local Catholic school board despite not being Catholic herself. 

“I have had the great pleasure of attending hundreds of events hosted by the board over the years and have had the opportunity to meet thousands of teachers and students and to see firsthand the positive results of the quality of education being provided,” said McCallion, an Anglican. “The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board plays a pivotal role in the community by educating our children in a positive and nurturing environment and enabling them to develop not only intellectually but spiritually as well. Students are instilled with a sense of dignity and are provided with the opportunity to develop character and essential life skills which reflect the board's values.”

Students and alumni of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic school board “become contributing members of society” because of the values which the board instills in them, she added.