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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.