A longtime southwest Saskatchewan MLA has made the difficult decision to resign due to health reasons. 

Lumsden-Morse MLA, Lyle Stewart, made the announcement yesterday after an extensive struggle with cancer. 

“I have been living with prostate cancer for a number of years now, but unfortunately, my condition has worsened in recent weeks to the point that I can no longer do this job to the standard I expect of myself and that my constituents deserve,” Stewart said in a statement. 

Stewart added that he is grateful to have been able to represent the southwest for over two decades. 

“It has been the honour of my life to represent the people of Lumsden-Morse and Thunder Creek as their MLA for the past 23 and a half years,” he elaborated. “It has also been an honour to work with the two best and most successful leaders in Canada - Premier Brad Wall and Premier Scott Moe.  

“I believe that together with Premier Wall, Premier Moe and all of my caucus colleagues, we have made a change in Saskatchewan that is both positive and indelible.” 

Stewart was initially elected in 1999 and was re-elected in the five subsequent elections. 

He briefly served as Interim Leader of the Saskatchewan Party and Leader of the Opposition in 2004. 

Premier Scott Moe added in the statement that he will miss working with Stewart. 

“Lyle was a great Ag minister, always standing up for Saskatchewan producers and initiating many of the great trade relationships we have today,” The premier stated. “But first and foremost, he has been a dedicated and hard-working MLA, always looking out for the best interests of the people he serves.” 

In government, Stewart served as Minister of Enterprise and Innovation, Minister of Agriculture, Provincial Secretary and Legislative Secretary responsible for Provincial Autonomy. 

His resignation is effective this Friday, March 10.  

A byelection will be held within six months of his resignation.