Sask. MLA Derek Meyers dies following battle with cancer
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
Today is a difficult day as we mourn the loss of our friend and colleague Derek Meyers, MLA for Regina Walsh Acres.
Derek passed away at the age of 45 after a battle with cancer.
Through all of the challenges he faced, Derek remained one of the most upbeat and positive people… pic.twitter.com/M9jSwDP5Ln
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.
Our deepest condolences go to his partner Laurie and his three children.
On behalf of Rider Nation, we send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Derek Meyers, including his children Dayn, Sebastian, Eisley, and his partner Laurie. pic.twitter.com/9yw84ahMNJ
— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) March 28, 2023
Seventeen people – most of whom are young students – have been taken to hospital after a falling from a height during a field trip at Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar.
Although bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Canada, experts say there’s a significant lack of awareness surrounding whom it affects the most — statistically, men — and that the most common risk factor is smoking.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he has confidence in David Johnston, even as the House of Commons is about to vote in favour of a motion to push him out of his job.
Canada will soon require health warnings to be printed directly on individual cigarettes, making it the first country to implement this kind of measure aimed at reducing tobacco usage.
More than three years after Covid was declared a global pandemic, a new study is looking at how the international health crisis has changed the lifestyle habits of Canadians.
The Canadian economy grew faster than expected in the first three months of the year and likely expanded again in April, fuelling speculation that the Bank of Canada will raise interest rates again.
A former staffer who accused Joe Biden of sexual assault has defected to Moscow and spoken to Russian state media in a news conference that lasted several hours.
Seventeen people – most of whom are young students – have been taken to hospital after a falling from a height during a field trip at Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar.
Manitoba RCMP have arrested a priest from a First Nation community who is accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl, and believe there may be more victims.
Seventeen people – most of whom are young students – have been taken to hospital after a falling from a height during a field trip at Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have hired Brad Treliving to be the team's new general manager. The team made the announcement Wednesday, less than two weeks after firing Kyle Dubas.
A Toronto woman says she was shamed for the size of her order at a sushi restaurant north of the city in a scathing review posted to social media that’s been viewed more than 1.4 million times.
Canadian Heritage unveiled the programming for July 1 celebrations, inviting Canadians to come to the capital region to "join the biggest party in the country!"
A heat warning is in effect for Ottawa. Environment Canada's forecast calls for sunny and hot weather to continue for the final day of May and the start of June.
Hundreds of nurses from across B.C. are gathering in Vancouver Wednesday to demand better working conditions, adding to multiple calls by medical professionals this week for urgent action to staff under-resourced hospitals.
A man who worked at an addiction recovery organization has been charged with three counts of sexual assault, according to the New Westminster Police Department.
The northern Vancouver Island village of Sayward remains on edge Wednesday as a wildfire continues to burn out of control just five kilometres west of the community.
Last year, Quebec’s Bill 96 became law, which brought sweeping changes to the Charter of the French language. Sections of the new law will come into effect on June 1, the one-year anniversary of the bill receiving royal assent.
High heat is pushing into parts of Quebec this week, and many communities could see record-breaking temperatures this week. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued special weather statements, advising people of the above-average temperatures.
A new team working out of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada (SHC-Canada) wants to get young people like Horn, who injured themselves, back on their feet and running as fast and efficiently as possible.
The northern Vancouver Island village of Sayward remains on edge Wednesday as a wildfire continues to burn out of control just five kilometres west of the community.
The B.C. government will set housing targets for 10 major communities on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland in an effort to combat the province's housing shortage.
A Toronto woman says she was shamed for the size of her order at a sushi restaurant north of the city in a scathing review posted to social media that’s been viewed more than 1.4 million times.
Forest fires in northern Ontario are on the rise, with the largest in the region shutting down a critical highway for the people of Hornepayne for a bit and bringing the community to the brink of evacuation.
People who live on Ralgreen Crescent in Kitchener say it could have been a lot worse after a car careened off the road and smashed through their backyards on Tuesday afternoon.
