REGINA - Regina Walsh Acres MLA Derek Meyers has died.
Meyers, who was first elected for the Sask Party in 2020, had been suffering from cancer. The legislative assembly recessed immediately Tuesday afternoon upon word of his death.
Premier Scott Moe has issued this statement on social media:
"Today is a difficult day as we mourn the loss of our friend and colleague Derek Meyers, MLA for Regina Walsh Acres.
"Derek passed away at the age of 45 after a battle with cancer.
"Through all of the challenges he faced, Derek remained one of the most upbeat and positive people I have ever met. Since his election in 2020, Derek has been a strong voice for his constituency and the city of Regina, a tireless advocate on behalf of everyone facing mental health challenges and a vital part of our government caucus.
"I am blessed to have known Derek for the short time that I did. We have lost a bright, talented, personable MLA and a young father far too soon.
"On behalf of our government and our province, I want to express my deepest sympathies to Derek’s many friends, his partner Laurie, and his children Dayn, Sebastian and Eisley.
"Flags at the Legislative Assembly will be lowered to half-mast in honour of Derek Meyers."
Opposition Leader Carla Beck issued the following statement over Twitter:
"A truly devastating day here at the Legislature. Our hearts go out to Derek's family, friends, and colleagues as we all grieve this loss. I want to echo the Premier's sentiments about Derek's positivity and his ability to always elicit a hearty laugh. He will be sorely missed."
She added: "Derek was a dedicated advocate for his community, even throughout his diagnosis, and his passion for the betterment of Saskatchewan was admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our deepest condolences go to his partner Laurie and his three children."
At the start of the legislature sitting on Tuesday, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Donna Harpauer made the announcement confirming the news of Meyers' death.
"It's with deep sadness that I wish to announce the passing of the member for Regina Walsh Acres. A man who truly served his province well, he will be missed by all."
Harpauer then asked the House adjourn for the day, which was agreed to unanimously. All events at the Legislature were cancelled for the day including a planned presentation to the organizers of the flights of Ukraine refugees to Saskatchewan.
A book of condolence has been set up inside the Legislature in tribute to Meyers.
It had been known for some time that Meyers had been battling health issues, causing him to miss several days of the spring sitting. But the extent of his condition had not been well known to the public.
His absence during the Budget debate was acknowledged by a number of MLAs. On Thursday, Kindersley MLA Ken Francis had described both Meyers and former Lumsden-Morse MLA Lyle Stewart, who had resigned due to his own battle with cancer, as being "with us in spirit."
"We miss you guys and wish you the best. Your attitudes are inspirational to say the least, especially under the circumstances."
Minister of Justice and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre echoed Francis' remarks on Monday in the House: "Mr. Deputy Speaker, the former member for Kindersley once said that the friends in this room — and by that he meant caucus — will be friends for life. Being a band of brothers and sisters will do that to you. And he was right. And it’s in that spirit that I would like to join with my colleagues and pass on collective love to the member for Regina Walsh Acres, an amazing dynamic life force, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and the member for Lumsden-Morse, a veteran, a founder who served this province with great dignity. We are all behind you."
Melville-Saltcoats MLA Warren Kaeding also acknowledged Meyers on Monday, saying "I’d like him and his family to know that we’ve got you. You are part of a big, loving family that will be there to take care of you and your family."
Meyers is originally from the Midale area. According to his profile at the Legislature's website, prior to entering television he worked in the southeast Saskatchewan oilfield, eventually moving into the geological exploration and consulting field for a number of years before attending NAIT to study television broadcasting in 2005.
Afterwards, Meyers was a well known sports anchor on Global TV for ten years, and he also ran his own video production company prior to entering politics. In addition to his TV work, he was well known for guest appearances on CKRM radio talking about sports.
Members of the sports community have reacted to the news. The Saskatchewan Roughriders issued this statement posted on Twitter:
"The Saskatchewan Roughriders are saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Derek Meyers at just 45 years old. Prior to running for office, Meyers spent a decade covering sports in the province of Saskatchewan, and spent countless hours with us at old Mosaic Stadium, telling the stories of our players, coaches and team. His quick wit, sense of humour and kindness will be missed by all who knew him."
CJME sports reporter Britton Gray posted: "I did my J-School internship at Global Regina and Derek was the first one to guide me as I made my first foray into creating sports stories there. Derek was always positive and we would catch up when I would see him out at events. RIP."
CJME sports host Jamie Nye posted: "There was a span of 5 years where I spent more time at practices, events, lunches, golf courses etc with Derek and @LeeJonesCTV than anyone other than family. He fought so hard. He loved so hard. Now go be w/ your beautiful angel."
The legislature is to resume at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, at which time it is expected there will be tributes paid to Meyers.
