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
At the moment, wildfires are burning across six provinces and one territory in Canada — and they’re still spreading in what’s being called an unprecedented fire season. While firefighters work tirelessly to battle the merciless flames and prevent further destruction, scientists say the wildfires are linked to climate change and that this will be the new normal.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he raised concerns about reports that LGBTQ2S+ rights and democracy are under threat in Poland during a Friday visit with its prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, in Toronto.
Air Canada says travellers should be prepared for further flight disruptions as it works to return service to normal following a technical malfunction Thursday.
As more Canadians pass their family cottages down to the next generation, 'major shifts' in the ownership of recreational homes will occur, according to Re/Max. But amid concerns around the cost of housing, some may be wondering whether they can afford to keep that family cottage. Here's what younger generations need to know about inheriting a recreational property and the market today.
A 38-year-old sergeant in the Canadian Army was fined $3,000 and issued a severe reprimand after he made what a military judge described as 'utterly disgusting' anti-Jewish comments while conducting an infantry training course in 2021.
Pierre Poilievre is off to Manitoba to rally Conservative supporters ahead of a byelection that Maxime Bernier is hoping will send him back to Parliament. The far-right People's Party of Canada leader lost his Quebec seat in the 2019 federal vote and lost again in the 2021 election.
The number of people in Canada with inflammatory bowel disease is increasing rapidly and is expected to grow to 470,000 by 2035, according to a new report from Crohn's and Colitis Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is committed to keeping David Johnston in place as Canada's special rapporteur on foreign interference, despite a majority of MPs voting in favour of his stepping down from the gig.
A bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth that was toppled and damaged by protesters two years ago was put back in its place Friday on the grounds of the Manitoba legislature after a lengthy set of repairs.
A dozen sheriffs and Calgary Police officers roamed Calgary's core for three months, but the provincial pilot program is officially over as of this week.
A Calgary father and son face a lengthy list of criminal charges after being arrested in connection with the sexual exploitation, assault and extortion of multiple teen girls.
Three Toronto men have been charged with attempted murder after they allegedly shot an innocent dog walker in Schomberg, Ont. in a case of mistaken identity.
Gatineau police arrested an 18-year-old man in connection to the investigation into a hidden camera discovered in the washroom at an elementary school.
In a Canadian first, the University of British Columbia has adapted its early childhood education program to support young people who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH).
Teachers' groups held a protest outside the National Assembly this morning to voice their opposition against the Quebec government's new education bill.
A 38-year-old sergeant in the Canadian Army was fined $3,000 and issued a severe reprimand after he made what a military judge described as 'utterly disgusting' anti-Jewish comments while conducting an infantry training course in 2021.
A popular beach in Bracebridge is open to the public two days after sewing needles were found in the water, but a second beach has since closed over safety concerns.
