Sask. ag minister faces cancer battle

Saskatchewan’s agriculture minister is stepping down to focus on his battle with colon cancer.

Lyle Stewart, 67, will remain as member of the legislature for Lumsden-Morse as he undergoes several months of aggressive treatment.

“Agriculture is a very important portfolio in this province and it has been a tremendous honour to serve as Saskatchewan’s agriculture minister under two great premiers over the past six years,” Stewart said Thursday in a statement.

“However, given my current circumstances, I didn’t feel I would be able to give that position the attention it deserved.”

Premier ScottMoe said in a statement that he is sad to lose Stewart from cabinet and expects to name a new agriculture minister next week.

“First and foremost, Lyle Stewart is my friend, so themost important thing is for him to deal with his cancer,” Moe said. “Everything else is secondary.”

Stewart was one of the first members of the Saskatchewan Party and was elected as the member for Thunder Creek in 1999. He served as interim party leader during two terms in opposition.

Stewart was appointed to the agriculture portfolio by former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall in 2012.

Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan president Todd Lewis said that Stewart has been a great advocate for agriculture and will be missed.