Sask. MLA Derek Meyers dies following battle with cancer
Derek Meyers, the MLA for Regina Walsh Acres, has died following a battle with cancer, according to the province.
He was 45-years-old.
Premier Scott Moe announced the news in a post to social media on Tuesday.
“Today is a difficult day as we mourn the loss of our friend and colleague Derek Meyers, MLA for Regina Walsh Acres,” the tweet read.
Moe referred to Meyers as a “strong voice for his constituency” and a “tireless advocate” for those facing mental health challenges.
“Through all of the challenges he faced, Derek remained one of the most upbeat and positive people I have ever met,” Moe added in his message.
Meyers was originally elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in 2020.
He began his working life in the oilfields of southeast Saskatchewan.
Meyers eventually moved onto geological exploration and consulting for a number of years before attending the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) for broadcasting in 2005.
Following his graduation, he spent almost 10 years covering sports across the province for Global Regina.
Deputy premier Donna Harpauer notified the house of Meyer's passing, describing him as "a man who truly served his province well."
“He will be missed by all,” she said.
Out of respect for Meyers and his family, Tuesday’s sitting of the legislature was adjourned.
Flags were lowered to half mast at the legislative building and a book of condolences was established in the rotunda. MLAs and staff stopped to sign and to remember a political colleagure.
“He was one of the best, always kind, never said no to anybody, just a really really good soul,” said Don Morgan, minister of justice.
Sask. NDP Leader Carla Beck also shared her condolences in a message over social media.
“Derek was a dedicated advocate for his community, even throughout his diagnosis, and his passion for the betterment of Saskatchewan was admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing him,” the message read.
“I want to echo the Premier's sentiments about Derek's positivity and his ability to always elicit a hearty laugh.”
“He will be sorely missed.”
In recognition of his sports reporting career, the Saskatchewan Roughriders released a message of condolence.
“Prior to running for office, Meyers spent a decade covering sports in the province of Saskatchewan and spent countless hours with us at old Mosaic Stadium telling the stories of our players, coaches and team,” the message read.
“His quick wit, sense of humour and kindness will be missed by all who knew him.”
Saskatchewan Roughriders senior journalist and historian Rob Vanstone said Meyers had a passion for sports.
"Loved sports, the Riders, everything. Loved minor sports in Midale and just loved the grassroots stuff, loved engaging with people,” he said.
- With files from CTV News Regina's Wayne Mantyka
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.