Saskatoon philanthropist Irene Dubé dies

A prominent Saskatoon philanthropist who donated millions to healthcare and community causes has died.

A prominent Saskatoon philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to health care and community causes has died.

CTV News has confirmed Irene Dubé passed away Tuesday.

Irene and her husband, Leslie, founded the Concorde Group of Companies, starting with a fruit and vegetable distribution company before expanding into a range of business ventures.

Leslie died in 2024 at age 91.

The couple was best known for their contributions to health care. Together, they donated nearly $8 million to the Royal University Hospital Foundation, including $3 million to help fund the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health.

They played a key role in supporting the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, donating $6.5 million. They also funded the Leslie and Irene Dubé Urology Centre of Health at St. Paul’s Hospital.

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In North Battleford, the Dubés donated $1 million toward the new entrance at Saskatchewan Hospital.

Through Dubé Endowed Funds, the couple donated $1 million each to six local charities.

In May 2024, shortly after Leslie’s death, a $7.5-million donation from Irene and Leslie Dubé was announced toward Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus, with the nursing school renamed the Leslie and Irene Dubé School of Nursing.

The Dubés were appointed to the Order of Canada in 2017. They also received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2008 and honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from the University of Saskatchewan in 2007.