Staff
Natural Resources minister Michael Gravelle has been diagnosed with cancer but he plans to continue as MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North during his treatments.
In a statement released yesterday, Gravelle said he had an appointment with his family doctor for a complete physical examination in early October.
“As a result of concerns raised during that appointment, I was sent for a series of other medical procedures and tests,” he noted.
“Last week, I was presented with the results of those tests, which confirmed a diagnosis of a form of aggressive lymphoma.
“While this is, of course, very serious, I am heartened by the assessment of my oncologist that this is a treatable form of lymphoma and the prognosis for a full recovery is good,” Gravelle added.
“Having said that, I will require a number of chemotherapy treatments over the next several months, with the first one taking place tomorrow.”
Gravelle said he’s more than conscious that these treatments will have an impact on his well-being and may, in fact, affect his ability to function in his usual all-out manner, particularly around the time of the actual chemotherapy sessions.
“However, I also know that many people receiving these treatments continue on with their regular lives, including work,” Gravelle noted.
“And while I will be following the advice of my physicians’ ‘to the letter’ as to how I can protect myself throughout this process, I am hoping that I will be able to carry on with my life as normally as possible.”
As such, Gravelle stressed it is his intention to continue on in his role as MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, as well as the minister of natural resources.
“I may be relying on my staff a little more than usual during this period of time, but I am looking forward to remaining an actively-involved MPP and minister,” he pledged.
“I had the opportunity to speak with Premier McGuinty recently about my health circumstances and he was, not surprisingly, strongly supportive, and he encouraged me to carry on with my duties.”
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell said she, like all northerners, was shocked and saddened to hear of Gravelle’s health challenges.
“Over the past year, I have been fortunate to work very closely with the minister, both as MNR critic and a fellow northern MPP, and have a great deal of respect and admiration for him,” Campbell said in a press release.
“On behalf of my constituents, all northerners, and people across all of Ontario, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Minister Gravelle a speedy recovery as he begins treatment for lymphoma,” she added.
“I look forward to working with him in the very near future once he has completed a full and speedy recovery.”
“Ontario New Democrats send our best thoughts to MPP Michael Gravelle and his family during this challenging time,” echoed NDP leader Andrea Horwath.
“I was shocked to hear the news about his health, but happy to hear his confidence about treatment and to see the support of family and friends.
“I want to wish Michael a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to the legislature,” said Horwath.
