Advertisement

N.B. Tory MLA diagnosed with breast cancer, taking leave of absence

Dorothy Shephard. Progressive Conservative Party Of New Brunswick

An opposition member of the New Brunswick legislature has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Dorothy Shephard, the MLA for the riding of Saint John-Lancaster, announced that she will begin a leave of absence on Tuesday as a result of the diagnosis.

READ MORE: New Brunswick increases community funding in light of property tax assessment freeze

Shephard, 56, received the diagnosis last week after a regularly-scheduled mammogram.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The MLA is reportedly awaiting a surgery date and a plan for treatment, but is optimistic for a good outcome.

WATCH: New Brunswick women battling cancer get boost

Click to play video: 'New Brunswick women battling cancer get boost'
New Brunswick women battling cancer get boost

Shephard says she has an older sister who successfully fought breast cancer about 15 years ago.

Story continues below advertisement

Despite the diagnosis, she says she plans to get back to work as soon as possible and fully intends to run in the provincial election next September.

— with files from the Canadian Press

Sponsored content

AdChoices