A New Brunswick cabinet minister is taking a step back from her role for the time being after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Alyson Townsend announced her diagnosis in a social media post on Monday.
“Last weekend, I was seen in the emergency room at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital for some health concerns. After a series of tests, my doctor diagnosed me with a brain tumor,” said Townsend.
“It was approximately 10 years ago that I was diagnosed with breast cancer and after thorough, rigorous treatment, I received a clean bill of health.”
The Rothesay MLA said she looks forward to returning to her role serving the people of Rothesay and New Brunswick once her treatment is over.
Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours will serve as acting minister of post-secondary education, training and labour.
“Minister Townsend has my full support and the love and care of our whole team as she tackles this treatment,” Premier Susan Holt said in a separate statement.
“We are all keeping her and her family in our hearts and wishing her a full recovery. Alyson is a thoughtful and experienced voice at the cabinet and caucus table, and we look forward to welcoming her back soon.”
Meanwhile, Townsend said her experience is a stark reminder about the importance of cancer screening and encouraged everyone to get regular testing and cancer screening.
