Longtime MLA for Lumsden-Morse Lyle Stewart announced that he is resigning his seat due to health-related reasons.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Stewart was first elected in 1999 and was re-elected in the five subsequent provincial elections. In 2004, he served briefly as Interim Leader of the Saskatchewan Party and Leader of the Opposition.

“I need to spend more of the time that I have left with my grandchildren and my dear friend Juanita.”

During his time in government, Stewart served as Minister of Enterprise and Innovation, Minister of Agriculture, Provincial Secretary and Legislative Secretary responsible for Provincial Autonomy.

Stewart had previously resigned in August of 2018 also due to health concerns.

Premier Scott Moe said he would miss working with Stewart and thanking him for his service to the province.

“Lyle was a great Ag minister, always standing up for Saskatchewan producers and initiating many of the great trade relationships we have today,” he said, “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.”

Stewart’s resignation will be effective Friday, March 10. A by-election will be held within six months of his resignation.