Michael J. L. Kirby OC (born August 5, 1941) is a Canadian politician. He sat in the Senate of Canada as a Liberal representing Nova Scotia. He is the former chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Born in Montreal, Kirby earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in mathematics from Dalhousie University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and, also a Doctor of Philosophy in applied mathematics from Northwestern University. In 2001, Kirby joined Chapters' board of directors. In 2008, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.