Lyle Stewart resigns as Sask. ag minister

Aug 09, 2018

He will undergo treatment for colorectal cancer

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Lyle Stewart is leaving his post as Saskatchewan’s agriculture minister to focus on his health.

Today, the 67-year old announced he is stepping away from Cabinet to receive cancer treatment.

“I was recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer and will be undergoing several months of pretty aggressive treatment,” he said in a statement, Global News reports.

“Given my current circumstances, I didn’t feel I would be able to give that position the attention it deserved so I have asked Premier (Scott) Moe to appoint a new minister.”

The new minister is expected to be named next week, and Stewart will continue to serve as the MLA for his local riding of Lumsden-Morse.

Local farmers thanked Stewart for his time as ag minister.

“In my farming career, Minister Stewart showed exactly what a politician can do for an industry,” Adrienne Ivey, a rancher from Ituna, Sask., told Farms.com today. “He has such a passion for Saskatchewan agriculture and has been a champion for our industry.”

Supportive messages began to appear on social media as news of Stewart’s resignation spread.

“Sask Wheat would like to wish Minister Lyle Stewart and his family all the best as he battles cancer,” the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission said on Twitter.

“Sending thoughts and best wishes to Lyle Stewart, an exceptional Minister, and incredible advocate for our industry,” Emily Pearce Rayner, vice president, industry competitiveness with Fertilizer Canada, said on Twitter.

This is not Stewart’s first battle with cancer.

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 and continued fulfill his role as ag minister.

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