Former Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion is officially back in the political spotlight at the tender age of 97.

On Friday (Jan. 18), the Ontario government announced in a release that McCallion has been appointed Special Advisor to Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark.

“Housing is one of our government’s top priorities and I’m looking forward to having Hazel McCallion support our work on the Housing Supply Action Plan,” said Clark in the release.

“This advice, combined with the input we’re receiving through the government’s housing supply consultation, will help ensure that the people of Ontario have access to the right kind of housing in the right place,” he added.

McCallion served as Mississauga mayor for nearly 36 years between 1978 and 2014. She retired from municipal politics ahead of the 2014 municipal election and was succeeded my current mayor, Bonnie Crombie.

Since her retirement from public office, she’s remained active in the community serving as the first ever chancellor of Sheridan College, as well “chief elder” for Revera Seniors Residences.

“Ms. McCallion brings many decades of public service, public advocacy and, most importantly, public representation that will enable her to provide advice to the Premier and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on a range of municipal issues,” added the government’s release.

She will be paid up to $150,000 per year in her new role.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to Hazel on this new post. She is an excellent choice to be an advisor to the Premier and Minister of Municipal Affairs as there are few, if any, with more municipal government experience in Canada. I know Hazel understands Mississauga’s issues and positions and will be a strong advocate for our City and the municipal sector," said Crombie in a written statement.

Editor's note: Article updated at 5:20 p.m. on Jan. 18 to include quote from Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie.