Saskatoon MLA Roger Parent dies hours after cancer diagnosis made public

The Saskatchewan Party is mourning the sudden death of Roger Parent.

Just hours after publicly revealing his widespread cancer diagnosis, the Saskatoon MLA died Tuesday night at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon with family members by his side.

It was announced Wednesday morning.

Parent was 63.

On Tuesday, his wife Sheila released a statement in which she wrote the diagnosis was unexpected.

“Mr. Parent sought medical attention after feeling unwell, and tests revealed the cancer is widespread,” it read.

Flags at the Saskatchewan legislature have been lowered to half-mast in honour of Parent.

His chair will also be draped today – the final day of fall session.

“Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to Roger’s family,” Premier Brad Wall said.

“This is a huge shock to all of us. Roger was here in the assembly carrying out his duties throughout most of the fall sessions and only learned of his cancer in the past couple of weeks. This is a sad day and sudden loss for all of us who knew Roger.”

We lost Roger Parent last night, suddenly & tragically. I’ll be offering tribute to Roger today in the house. We will miss you, dear friend. pic.twitter.com/vptIGWWZmL

— Brad Wall (@PremierBradWall) November 30, 2016

NDP leader Trent Wotherspoon wished condolences on behalf of the NDP. In a statement, Wotherspoon wrote, “On behalf of the Official Opposition and all Saskatchewan New Democrats, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Roger’s wife Sheila and their family for this tremendous loss.”

“I’d also like to take a moment to extend my thoughts and sympathies to the Saskatchewan Party caucus and staff for their loss of a valuable friend and colleague.”

Parent was first elected in Saskatoon Meewasin in 2011. He served in a variety of roles including on the Standing Committee for Human Services, the Standing Committee for Private Bills and the Special Committee on Traffic Safety. 

Prior to politics, he was involved with the Saskatoon Homelessness Initiative Partnership, SREDA Aboriginal Economic Development Committee, Saskatchewan Committee on Aboriginal Procurement and Saskatchewan’s Métis Nation.