By Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

Seniors and Housing Minister Sigurdson diagnosed with leukemia

May 14, 2018 | 1:58 PM

Lori Sigurdson, Alberta’s Minister of Seniors and Housing, will be taking a leave from her work at the legislature following a diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia.

In a statement, Sigurdson says she received the diagnosis after experiencing unexplained symptoms for several days.

“It was not easy news to hear and certainly not what I was expecting,” she said. “I am beginning a variety of treatments immediately, but at this point will not be undergoing chemotherapy.”

Minister Irfan Sabir will be acting Minister of Seniors and Housing during Sigurdson’s absence.

Sigurdson says she looks forward to winning her health battle and returning to the legislature as MLA for Edmonton Riverview.

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“I know I speak for our entire caucus when I say how sad we are to learn of Minister’s Sigurdson’s diagnosis,” said Premier Rachel Notley. “The commitment and creativity she brings to her work, even on the toughest days, is inspiring. We are all keeping her and her family in our thoughts as she works towards recovery.”

Sigurdson is in her first term as an MLA following a 25-year career as a social worker. She has also been an instructor of social work at the University of Calgary, MacEwan University, and NorQuest College.

Last week, NDP backbencher Erin Babcock announced she is being treated for uterine cancer.

Babcock, who represents Stony Plain, says she is undergoing aggressive treatment that will take a number of months, and she will continue working during that time.

(With file from The Canadian Press)