MP Keith Ashfield to seek re-election after beating cancer
CBC News | Posted: April 29, 2015 2:09 PM | Last Updated: April 29, 2015
Conservative MP says his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is in remission and he has 'much left to give'
Fredericton MP Keith Ashfield says he will run in the upcoming federal election after announcing his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is in remission.
"The past months have been taxing both mentally and physically, but I have a renewed sense of purpose and determination," he said in an open letter to his constituents on Wednesday, thanking them for their support.
Ashfield, 63, says he has "many goals left to accomplish for the Fredericton area."
Some of the key issues, he says, include: the financial well-being of seniors and families, programs for veterans and military members, access to post-secondary education, security, multiculturalism, business and employment, mental health, arts and culture, conservation, and local infrastructure.
"I am eager to listen to your ideas and concerns and to work hard with you to continue building the Fredericton community," the Conservative MP said.
"I have much left to give."
Ashfield was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013, when he was serving as Prime Minister Stephen Harper's fisheries minister.
Last fall, he announced doctors had found a recurrence and that he had started treatments again.
On Wednesday, Ashfield said his tests have shown no signs of remaining cancer.
"I have tried to be as open and transparent as possible with my constituents. I believe that it is important for individuals to feel comfortable discussing their illnesses or disabilities."
He also suffered a heart attack in 2012.
Ashfield was first elected in 2008 in the federal riding of Fredericton. He served from 1999 to 2008 as a Progressive Conservative MLA. He was a natural resources minister in the Bernard Lord government.