B.C. cabinet minister announces 'heartbreaking' return of cancer
Selina Robinson, the B.C. NDP's minister for post-secondary education, has revealed she is once again battling cancer.
Addressing the provincial legislature on Tuesday, Robinson said her latest diagnosis was confirmed less than two years after she was finally able to stop treatment for the gastrointestinal stromal tumor that was discovered back in 2006.
"I went for my scan and I got the unfortunate news that cancer's back, and it's heartbreaking," Robinson said. "I'm back on my chemotherapy and disappointed."
One of the hardest parts was telling her children "their mother has cancer again," said the Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA.
Robinson's cancer, sometimes called GIST, is a rare form that begins in the digestive tract, most often in the stomach or small intestine.
Robinson, whose former roles include finance minister and minister of municipal affairs and housing, noted the need for cancer screening and treatment continues to grow along with B.C.'s population.
Almost 90 people per day are diagnosed with cancer across the province, she added, referencing an alarming statistic shared in the government's throne speech Monday.
"That number will only increase," Robinson said.
"After a cancer diagnosis, nobody should be stuck waiting for treatment they urgently need. That's why your government will continue its work to build our health workforce and fight cancer with new investments to enhance access to screening and early detection, diagnostic imaging, and treatments."
Her announcement was met with a wave of support from across parties in the legislature.
"You have beat cancer before and we know you will beat it again," BC Liberal opposition leader Kevin Falcon wrote on Twitter.
Robinson confirmed she will remain in her current post while undergoing treatment.
Former NDP leader John Horgan stepped down last year, a decision he made, in part, because of flagging energy he experienced in the wake of his own recent battle with cancer. The premier was diagnosed with throat cancer in late 2021, and completed treatment by January 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.